The explorer revealed what Nutty Putty cave looks like today, 16 years on from the tragic event
A group of explorers recently visited Utah’s infamous Nutty Putty Cave, where John Edward Jones tragically lost his life in 2009. Their visit revealed unexpected, heartwarming tributes that honor the memory of the late caver.
John Edward Jones, a 26-year-old medical student and an adventurous adrenaline junkie, had a passion for cave exploration. However, in November 2009, what was meant to be an exciting trip to Nutty Putty Cave turned into a devastating tragedy. While navigating the cave, Jones mistakenly entered an unmapped passageway and became trapped.
Nutty Putty Cave, once a popular tourist attraction frequented by Boy Scouts and college students, became the site of a nightmare. Jones, who stood six feet tall, got stuck upside down in an area known as “the birth canal.” The narrow passage was only 10 inches by 18 inches wide, leaving him unable to free himself. He remained in this position for over 24 hours.
Despite the best efforts of rescue teams, the situation was grim. The tight space left no room for effective movement, and each breath Jones took further wedged his chest into the confined area. Tragically, the rescue attempts failed, and Jones eventually became unresponsive, passing away in what many describe as “one of the worst deaths imaginable.”
Jones’ brother, Josh, who had entered the cave with him, was forced to climb back to the surface to seek help. Although emergency responders did everything in their power to save the trainee doctor, his body could not be retrieved. To this day, it remains within the cave, making it his final resting place.
Explorers Uncover Touching Details at Infamous Utah Cave
Sixteen years later, YouTuber Brandon Kowallis made a journey to Nutty Putty Cave to document what remains of the site. Now permanently sealed off from the public, the cave’s entrance serves as a somber memorial to Jones.
Kowallis shared his experience with his viewers, revealing that the entrance to the cave has been sealed with cement, essentially turning it into a tomb. Panning his camera across the site, he showed a plaque dedicated to Jones, which reads like a tombstone for the late explorer. Nearby, a wreath rests at the entrance, along with another plaque bearing a heartfelt message from Jones’ family. The message encourages visitors to “enjoy and respect this sacred space” while remembering John’s life and legacy.
Reflecting on his visit, Kowallis noted: “There’s not much to it. It’s a cement-plugged entrance and that’s about it. It was nice to read through the memorial plaques, though, and remember John and his family. This was the first time I’d been up there since the rescue.”
A Somber Memorial at Nutty Putty Cave: Honoring a Fallen Adventurer
The tragedy of John Edward Jones’ death left a lasting impact, inspiring conversations about the risks of extreme cave exploration. His story has also been immortalized in the 2016 film The Last Descent. The movie, starring Chadwick Hopson as John and Jacob Omer as his brother Josh, captures the emotional and harrowing events leading up to Jones’ untimely passing.
Although Nutty Putty Cave is now sealed, it stands as a poignant reminder of the dangers of caving and the enduring memory of a young man who loved adventure. The heartfelt tributes at the site ensure that John Edward Jones’ legacy continues to touch those who learn about his story.