The harrowing 2009 rescue attempt inside Utah’s Nutty Putty Cave serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks of spelunking. When experienced caver John Edward Jones became trapped in an underground tunnel, emergency crews and volunteers mounted an elaborate 28-hour operation to try and save him. Despite tremendous effort, Jones ultimately passed away in the cave’s narrow confines. This article will provide a comprehensive, step-by-step look at the Nutty Putty Cave rescue operation. We’ll cover the background of this unique cave, how the accident occurred, the many challenges faced during the rescue, the aftermath, and the lasting impact on caving safety.
Table summarizing the key details of the Nutty Putty Cave rescue operation:
| Date | November 24-25, 2009 |
|---|---|
| Location | Nutty Putty Cave, Utah County, Utah |
| Victim | John Edward Jones, 26-year-old experienced caver |
| Cause of Accident | Stuck upside down in vertical fissure known as the “Birth Canal” |
| Rescue Duration | Approximately 27 – 28 hours |
| Rescue Workers | Around 100 emergency responders and volunteers |
| Outcome | Jones passed away due to cardiac arrest and asphyxiation |
| Impact | Nutty Putty Cave permanently sealed; increased focus on caving safety regulations |
About Nutty Putty Cave?
Nutty Putty Cave is a 1,400 foot long (430m) natural limestone cave located west of Utah Lake. Formed over thousands of years by an underground river, this thermal cave contains unique sedimentary rock formations as well as unusually high levels of silicon dioxide.
The silicon dioxide mixes with water to create a clay-like texture, leading to the cave’s nickname. While scenic, the cave also features several tight, twisting passages that require crawling, squeezing, and climbing.
Since the 1960s, Nutty Putty Cave has attracted everyone from Boy Scout troops to geology students. However, there were also multiple rescue operations prior to 2009 due to cavers becoming stuck or injured. Concerns over these frequent cave incidents led officials to start requiring entry permits.
John Edward Jones: The Central Figure
26-year-old John Edward Jones entered Nutty Putty Cave on November 24, 2009 alongside 11 other cavers. A Stansbury Park resident, Jones was an experienced caver who had explored Nutty Putty Cave at least 5 previous times.
By all accounts, John Edward Jones cherished time with his wife Emily and their expected young daughter. Caving at Nutty Putty was a favorite weekend activity for Jones and his friends.
Around 9 PM, Jones crawled into a narrow passageway called the “Birth Canal.” While maneuvering through the 10-inch wide vertical crevice around 140 feet into the cave, he accidentally dislodged some rocks which left him trapped in an upside-down position unable to move.
The Rescue Operation
After realizing Jones was stuck, his caving companions quickly alerted emergency services. This sparked a rescue effort led by the Utah County Sheriff’s Office and Utah Cave Rescue team.
Over the next 28 grueling hours, approximately 100 emergency workers and volunteers would join the operation. Police, firefighters, paramedics, experienced cavers, and rescue training experts descended on Nutty Putty Cave equipped with specialized caving gear and rescue equipment.
“We had to use jackhammers to open the entrance up just so we could get rescuers down there with equipment.” – Lt. Tom Hodgson, Utah County Sheriff’s Office
The area Jones was stuck in was extremely narrow, confining his arms and legs entirely. Rescuers brought ropes, pulleys, and ascending gear in hopes of lifting him out.
Caving expert Brandon Kowallis described the harrowing emotional and physical challenges:
“It was totally silent. It was tight enough that we couldn’t have a radio down there with us…We were getting muscle fatigue just from having our arms up.”
After hours of strenuous effort, rescuers were able to dislodge Jones but tragically were unable to fully extract him before he became unresponsive. Around midnight the next day, Jones was pronounced dead by the rescue team doctor.
What after the Incident?
In 2010, state officials made the decision to permanently seal Nutty Putty Cave closed with 200 tons of concrete. This difficult choice was made to prevent any future accidents and unsafe access. You can read more about the aftermath here.
A memorial plaque was placed at the sealed entrance honouring Jones’ life. His widow Emily Jones also helped share his story, including consulting on the film The Last Descent which dramatized the tragic events.
The high-profile incident also led to increased scrutiny of cave rescue protocols and safety preparedness. Many cited the challenges during the Nutty Putty rescue when proposing more stringent caving safety legislation.
Key Lessons and Takeaways
The Nutty Putty Cave rescue attempt stands as a reminder of the inherent risks cavers face within the treacherous confines below ground. Even experienced cavers can encounter sudden danger. As such, proper training, preparedness and safety gear are essential when undertaking any caving expedition.
John Edward Jones’ death also represents the tireless efforts of rescue crews. Their perseverance and bravery in the face of long odds is inspiring. The caving community pulled together in a time of crisis to try and save one of their own.
While Nutty Putty Cave itself may now be gone, Jones’ passion for exploration and love of the underground world will live on. His story will urge all cavers to embrace their adventurous spirit, but do so safely. With the proper precautions, future tragedies can hopefully be avoided.