Ep 136 - Cave of Doom: John Jones & Nutty Putty Cave
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In the latest episode of our podcast, we delve into one of the most harrowing and tragic stories of cave exploration gone wrong. This is the story of John Edward Jones, a young medical student, husband, and father who met his untimely end in the Nutty Putty Cave in Utah.
John Edward Jones was an adventurous spirit, always seeking new challenges and thrills. On November 24, 2009, he and a group of friends, including his brother, decided to explore the Nutty Putty Cave, a popular but treacherous cave system known for its tight passages and claustrophobic conditions. Despite being an experienced caver, John had never ventured into Nutty Putty before, but he felt confident with his group's knowledge and experience.
The Nutty Putty Cave, discovered in 1960 by Dale Green, is infamous for its narrow and winding passages filled with loose mud and clay, giving it the name "Nutty Putty." The cave had previously been closed due to safety concerns after a young boy scout got stuck and required professional rescuing. However, public demand led to its reopening in 2009, just months before John and his friends decided to explore it.
As John navigated the cave, he attempted to go through a challenging section known as the Birth Canal. This tight passage required cavers to exhale air from their chests to squeeze through, making it a daunting challenge even for the most experienced. Unfortunately, John took a wrong turn and found himself in an even more perilous section called Ed's Push, a largely unexplored and extremely narrow passage.
John became stuck nearly completely upside down in a pocket of the cave, unable to move forward or backward. His brother, Josh, discovered him and immediately called for help. What followed was a massive rescue operation involving around 100 people, including a specialized search and rescue team. Despite their best efforts, the narrow and treacherous conditions of the cave made it nearly impossible to free John.
After 27 agonizing hours, rescue attempts were abandoned, and John was pronounced dead on Thanksgiving Day, 2009. The decision was made to seal off the cave permanently, entombing John's body within the rock formation to prevent further tragedies.
This episode is a poignant reminder of the dangers of extreme sports and the unpredictable nature of cave exploration. It also highlights the incredible efforts of rescue teams who risk their lives to save others. John's story is a tragic tale of adventure, bravery, and the harsh realities of nature's unforgiving landscapes.
Tune in to hear the full story of John Edward Jones and the Nutty Putty Cave disaster. It's a gripping and emotional episode that you won't want to miss.
