Nutty Putty Cave: Everything You Need to Know About John Jones Death
The Nutty Putty Cave is a natural cave formation located near the city of Nephi, Utah. It is a popular destination for cavers and spelunkers due to its unique and challenging geological features. However, in 2009, this cave system became known for tragedy when a novice caver named John Jones became trapped in a narrow passage and ultimately lost his life.
Jones was an experienced hiker, but had never gone caving before. Despite this, he decided to enter the Nutty Putty Cave with a group of friends. At some point during the excursion, Jones crawled headfirst into a narrow passage known as “The Birth Canal.” He was unable to turn around or back out, and his body became wedged in the tight space.
Jones’ friends attempted to free him, but their efforts were unsuccessful. They eventually called for help, and a rescue team from the Utah County Sheriff’s Office arrived on the scene. Over the course of the next 27 hours, rescuers tried everything they could think of to free Jones, including using ropes, pulleys, and even a vacuum to suck the dirt out around him. Sadly, all of these efforts were in vain. Jones, who was 26 years old and had a wife and young daughter, passed away in the cave.
The story of John Jones’ death garnered national media attention, and the Nutty Putty Cave was temporarily closed to visitors. Many people have since called for the cave to be permanently sealed off, citing safety concerns. Others believe that cavers should be allowed to continue exploring the cave, but with strict safety regulations in place.
Despite the tragic outcome of John Jones’ caving excursion, the Nutty Putty Cave remains a popular destination for experienced cavers and spelunkers. However, visitors should be aware of the potential dangers that come with exploring natural cave formations, and should take all necessary precautions to ensure their own safety. The story of John Jones serves as a reminder that even the most experienced outdoorsmen can become vulnerable in a moment of overconfidence.
