First Responder Recalls Final Moments of Man Who Died Trapped in Utah’s Nutty Putty Cave

In November 2009, medical student John Edward Jones set out for an evening of adventure with friends and his brother in Utah’s Nutty Putty Cave. The popular yet perilous cave system was known for its twisting, narrow passageways, attracting thousands of thrill-seekers each year. For John, the trip would become a nightmare that ended in one of the most haunting tragedies in modern caving history.

Now, years later, one of the first responders has spoken publicly about the 26-year-old’s final hours and the harrowing circumstances surrounding his death.

A Popular but Dangerous Cave

Nutty Putty Cave, discovered in 1960 by Dale Green, was a hydrothermal cave famous among cavers for its challenging terrain. Each year, around 5,000 people would visit, drawn to its slippery limestone walls and tight squeezes. While the cave offered adventure, it also carried extreme risks for those who underestimated its dangers.

On November 25, 2009, John entered the cave with friends and his brother Josh, planning to explore well-known routes such as the “Big Slide” and the “Birth Canal.” The latter is a narrow passage with a turnaround space at the bottom, difficult to navigate but possible for experienced cavers.

John was just 26 when he died

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The Wrong Turn That Changed Everything

At some point during the trip, John mistakenly took a different path, believing he was heading toward the turnaround. Instead, he entered an unmapped, dead-end crevice measuring just 10 by 18 inches. He became wedged upside down, his head pointing downward and his body folded into the rock.

Josh was the first to realize the danger and rushed out of the cave to find help. What followed was a 27-hour rescue effort involving dozens of volunteers and emergency personnel. Despite their expertise, the responders faced nearly impossible conditions: the space was too tight to pull John out and too deep to break apart quickly.

It's also worth noting the role of group dynamics in such situations. The presence of friends and family can intensify risk-taking through peer pressure and the diffusion of responsibility, a phenomenon where individuals feel less personal accountability because the responsibility is shared among the group (Darley & Latané, 1968). This could have influenced Jones's decision to venture into the cave.

John was trapped for 27 hours

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“It Was Already Too Late”

Explorer and YouTuber Brandon Kowallis, who took part in the rescue, described the scene in a blog post. By the time he reached John, the trapped man was slipping in and out of consciousness and experiencing vivid hallucinations of “angels and demons.”

“As I wormed my way in, I felt my feet touch something soft, which ended up being John’s feet. I felt them move and immediately lifted my feet and worked my way horizontally into the crack,” Kowallis recalled.

“After stabilizing myself by jamming my body into a narrower section of the crack, I began speaking to John, asking him how he was and introducing myself. There was no response.”

Soon after, Kowallis heard what he described as “a deep, gurgling breath,” likely the result of John’s lungs filling with fluid. John began kicking frantically, a desperate final attempt to free himself.

Realizing how impossible the rescue would be, Kowallis and others started preparing for a long and painstaking process. “There was a request to take the radio down to John so that his family could say some words to him,” he said. “I think it was his father, mother, and wife who spoke to him, telling him that they loved him and were praying for him, and that his father had given him a blessing. His wife mentioned a feeling of peace, that everything would be OK.”

She spoke to him for several minutes before rescuers resumed their work. But shortly afterward, Kowallis was asked to check for signs of life.

“I didn’t hear a distinct heartbeat, only some ruffling, fluttering sounds that were probably a result of me shaking as I tried to steady myself in an awkward location. I then jammed my hand between the rock and pressed as far up his torso as I could go to feel for breathing. I didn’t think I felt anything.”

Kowallis reported his findings to the paramedic, who squeezed in as far as possible and confirmed the worst. John Edward Jones was pronounced dead at 11:52 p.m.

The cave has since been sealed off

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Understanding the Psychology of Thrill-Seekers

John Edward Jones, like many thrill-seekers, was likely motivated by the sensation-seeking trait, a personality trait associated with the need for novel and intense experiences. Psychologists have found that high sensation seekers are more prone to risk-taking behaviors, such as exploring perilous environments like Nutty Putty Cave (Zuckerman, 1979). This trait can lead to exhilarating experiences but also exposes individuals to potential dangers.

Why His Body Was Never Recovered

Authorities determined that attempting to remove John’s body would be too dangerous for rescuers. Instead, they made the decision to leave him where he was and permanently seal Nutty Putty Cave. Using controlled explosives, the entrance was collapsed to prevent future tragedies.

Today, a memorial plaque stands at the site to honor John’s life. His story continues to serve as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with extreme caving.

In 2016, the events were adapted into the biographical drama The Last Descent, bringing John’s ordeal to a wider audience. For many, it remains one of the most haunting examples of how quickly an adventure can turn into a fight for survival — and how, despite the best efforts of rescuers, some situations remain beyond human control.

What Research Shows About Coping with Trauma

The first responder's recollection of the event years later suggests a long-lasting impact, which is not uncommon among those who witness traumatic events. According to Dr. Susan David, an expert in emotional agility, "The ability to navigate our emotions is crucial for resilience in the face of trauma." Their coping mechanisms can vary widely, with some developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while others may experience post-traumatic growth, a positive psychological change experienced as a result of adversity (Dr. Susan David).

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In conclusion, the tragic incident at Nutty Putty Cave highlights the intricate relationship between personality traits, group dynamics, and coping mechanisms in extreme situations. As Dr. Adam Grant, organizational psychologist, states, "In high-stakes environments, the way individuals respond can reveal much about their character and resilience" (Adamgrant). This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by thrill-seekers and the enduring psychological effects on those involved. It can also provide valuable insights into human behavior and the capacity for resilience in the face of adversity.