Trapped Upside Down in Nutty Putty Cave: The Story of the Rescuers Who Stayed with John Edward Jones Until the End.
Seventeen years have passed since a family outing to a popular Utah cave turned into one of the most heartbreaking rescue stories in recent memory. The name John Edward Jones remains tied to the narrow, winding tunnels of Nutty Putty Cave, a place that is now sealed off as a final resting place.
In November 2009, John, a 26-year-old medical student and father, went exploring the cave with his brother and other family members. It was supposed to be a fun way to spend time together. He knew the cave and was familiar with some of its paths. But on that day, he took a wrong turn into a tight, downward sloping passage that was not on the usual maps.
While trying to turn his body around in the tight space, he slipped and slid further into the chute. He ended up stuck upside down, with his chest and legs wedged tightly against the cold rock. He could not free himself.
His brother went for help right away, and soon, a large rescue team arrived. More than 50 people, including volunteers and experts, joined the effort. They worked non-stop for over a day, using ropes and pulleys, trying to pull him out. The space was so small that only one or two rescuers could be near him at a time. The position he was in put a lot of pressure on his body, and time was not on their side.
The rescue workers did everything they could. They did not give up. They stayed with him the whole time, talking to him and trying to keep him calm while they worked. But the conditions inside the cave were too difficult. After more than 24 hours of trying, John died while the rescuers were right there with him.
After the accident, authorities had to make a tough decision. The cave was dangerous, and trying to bring his body out would put other people at risk. They decided to seal the entrance of Nutty Putty Cave for good. John’s remains are still there inside.
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The story of John Edward Jones is a reminder of how quickly things can go wrong and of the brave people who put their own safety aside to try and help a stranger in need.
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