On November 24, 2009, what began as a routine caving trip in Utah’s Nutty Putty Cave turned into one of the most haunting tragedies in modern spelunking. John Edward Jones, a 26-year-old medical student and devoted family man, set out with his brother Josh and a group of friends for an evening of exploration. Instead, he found himself trapped in a narrow passage that became his tomb, sparking a desperate 28-hour rescue effort that ultimately ended in heartbreak. His death left a lasting mark on the caving community, reshaping safety standards and sealing the cave forever as a memorial.
