The Tragic End of John Edward Jones Inside Nutty Putty Cave
The story of John Edward Jones' final moments inside Nutty Putty Cave in Utah is a tragic tale of survival and
rescue efforts that ultimately failed. When the rescue team gave up on rescuing Jones, there were dire
consequences for his fate, leading to an end that was both heartbreaking and morbid. In this article, we will
explore the details of his ordeal, the concerns raised about his death, and the tragic outcome that awaited
him inside the cave.
Rescue Efforts and Tragic Aftermath
When the rescue team gave up on John Edward Jones, the situation became increasingly perilous. As
government officials concluded that recovering his body would be too dangerous, they informed his
family. The family, accepting the reality, agreed to leave the body inside the cave, turning it into a
grave.
Legends and Rumors of Morphine Injection
There were rumors that Jones was given a morphine injection in the leg during the final moments of
rescue. Some rescuers suggested this as a last-ditch effort to alleviate his suffering, but the
administration of such a drug would have hastened his death and was illegal and morally questionable
according to Mormon beliefs and standards.
Death and Decomposition
After prolonged exposure to the cave environment, his breathing would have slowed, his heart would have
failed, and his brain would have pooled with a large amount of blood and toxins. This would inevitably
result in multiple organ failure, leading to his death. The official cause of death was cardiac arrest, but
it was more likely a combination of factors that led to his demise.
Due to the extreme conditions (stuck inverted for a prolonged period), any potential autopsy would have
been impossible. Eventually, efforts to extract his body were deemed too risky for the rescue team. It is
said that the body may have been treated with chemicals such as lime to aid in decomposition.
To secure the entrance, explosives were used to collapse the tunnel, and the cave was permanently sealed
to prevent any future excursions to the site.
Official and Alternative Endings
Official Narrative: The official cause of death was deemed to be cardiac arrest, though an autopsy
was impossible due to the challenging and dangerous conditions. Government officials and rescue teams
decided not to attempt a rescue that could have put the rescue party in even greater danger.
Alternative Narrative: Some speculate that Jones was given a morphine injection prior to his death, a
method thought to have been used to alleviate his suffering. Others believe he died naturally, as
conditions turned fatal.
The Permanent Grave of John Edward Jones
With the cave sealed, the exact location of John Edward Jones' body remains unknown but his fate was
forever marked. A plaque placed outside the cave provides a somber memorial, giving tribute to his
short-lived but ultimately tragic final days.
Further Reading
To learn more about Nutty Putty Cave, its history, and the events leading up to Jones' tragic end, you may
want to explore the following sources:
30 Facts About Nutty Putty Cave That You Should Know Nutty Putty Cave: Before and After the 2009 Tragedy Why Utah's Nutty Putty Cave Is Sealed Up With One Spelunker Inside