The Fateful Descent into Nutty Putty Cave
In November 2009, a routine caving expedition turned into one of the most harrowing underground tragedies in modern history. John Edward Jones, a 26-year-old medical student and experienced spelunker, ventured into Utah's Nutty Putty Cave with friends during a Thanksgiving family visit.
On 24 November 2009, the group explored the cave system known for its tight twists and narrow passageways. Jones decided to search for a formation called the 'Birth Canal', but instead found himself in an unmapped area known as 'Ed's Push'.
A Desperate Struggle for Survival
Jones entered a dead-end passage head first, inching forward using his hips, stomach and fingers. The L-shaped pinpoint measured just 10 inches across and 18 inches high. Within minutes, he realised he was completely stuck, unable to turn around or retreat backwards.
His brother Josh was the first to discover the terrifying situation and attempted to pull John out by his calves. Tragically, this effort caused John to slide further down, becoming trapped with his arms pinned beneath his chest.
Rescue teams were summoned, including experienced cave explorer Brandon Kowallis, who would become the last person to see John alive. Kowallis later documented their desperate attempts to save him, revealing that John had begun 'seeing angels and demons around him' as his ordeal continued.
The Final Hours and Lasting Legacy
Rescuers faced near-impossible conditions. Brandon described hearing John's deep, gurgling breaths as his lungs filled with fluid. Despite frantic, superhuman attempts to kick free, John's condition rapidly deteriorated.
A paramedic eventually pronounced him dead from cardiac arrest. The cave's entrance was subsequently boarded up and declared a public health hazard. About a week later, concrete was poured into the main opening, sealing John inside forever.
John Jones left behind his wife Emily and their baby daughter Lizzie. At the time of his death, Emily was pregnant with their second child, a boy who would be born the following year and named after his father.
