Mormon Mentality - Thoughts and Asides by Peculiar People

By Devyn S.

Dec. 3rd, 2009 at 10:46 pm

I have followed the events associated with the Nutty Putty Cave over the last week and a half with a sad heart. While at BYU in the 1990′s I went to the Cave multiple times with various groups. We always had a great time, although occassionally I would start to feel a little panicky when I was in a really tight spot. I was saddened to hear about the death that occurred in the cave. I hope his family is brought some measure of peace.

One experience I do remember is going into the place near where the person who died was stuck. It was very tight and we had to inch our way forward with our arms above our heads so we could fit. We went about ten feet in this manner, then hit a dead end so we had to back ourselves up. It was scary and I remember thinking “what if I get stuck?” Luckily I did not, but I remember the sheer panic I felt. Anyone else been to the cave?

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1. Orwell

Thu, Dec 3, 2009 @ 11:04pm

I never went, but I had a (notoriously reckless) roommate who went countless times and deliberately sought out all the tight spots.

Such a sad story, though, leaving behind a little daughter and a pregnant wife and all…

2. Joy

Fri, Dec 4, 2009 @ 5:23am

I explored the nutty putty multiple times over my four-year stint at BYU. It seems sad for the entire cave to be shut down when there is only one section containing dangerously tight passageways, and that section could easily be blocked off while leaving access to the rest of the cave.

3. ESO

Fri, Dec 4, 2009 @ 10:43am

I never did. This is really sad. I know that people die, and often not at “good” times in their loves, but for me, there is just something extra tragic about people dying doing something recreational. Accidents happen and people die on roads or at the job or whatever, but I hate the thought of “if he just hadn’t sought out that fun, he would still be here raising his kids.” So sad–bless his family.

BTW–I have known people with substantially shorter life expectancies to really shake their heads at people who participate in dangerous sport. Africans, for example, think skiing or even recreational hiking is really bizarre; only people with excess money and health care would do that stuff on purpose. If you can maim yourself in a car accident on your daily commute, why pay money for the opportunity to hurtle your body down a mountain? If you walk 10 KM to get to market, why walk 15 km for “fun”? If people die from having to work their entire lives in mines, why spend your free time removing yourself from fresh air and dangerous rocks falling to crush your body?

4. Hunter

Fri, Dec 4, 2009 @ 2:04pm

I’ve been in the NP caves twice, but I never went into any of the deep tunnels where you really had to think twice about it. I’m pretty claustrophobic, so getting in at all was an accomplishment for me.

I was distressed to hear that they are closing up the caves — not because I think it’s some irreparable loss to the recreational community — but because the thought of John Jones’ remains being left there is really, really sad for the surviving family.

5. mapinguari

Fri, Dec 4, 2009 @ 2:33pm

I’ve been through the cave many times, including the passageways where the man recently perished. It’s a shame that they closed the entire cave.

6. Eric Russell

Sat, Dec 5, 2009 @ 6:36pm

A tragic event. I still remember getting stuck for a bit in the “birth canal.” I couldn’t calm my nerves after that until I was out of the cave entirely. That would be a horrific way to die.

7. Devyn S

Sun, Dec 6, 2009 @ 10:19pm

1. Orwell – definitely sad and I knew a lot of people like your roommate

2. Joy – I am not sure what I think on the closure thing. I think it is really sad that they could not get his body out.

3. ESO you bring up some good points…

4. Hunter agreed.

6. Eric Russell – I would agree with you too – sad and tragic and also terrifying

8. starfish

Mon, Dec 7, 2009 @ 3:21pm

I went to the caves once while at BYU. I enjoyed it and always wished I had made more trips out there while in Utah. I am saddened to hear of the death. My husband knew him on his mission and said he was a great guy. Its too bad they couldn’t find a way to seal off the more dangerous part and allow people to still enjoy it the rest of the caves

9. annegb

Mon, Dec 7, 2009 @ 5:38pm

Why couldn’t they drill him out?

10. Devyn S

Tue, Dec 8, 2009 @ 9:43pm

Starfish – thanks for the comment – definitely a sad story. Although it would be hard to seal just part of the drive given his body is still there.

Anne – the area is so tight you would have drag a drill into the area and slowly winnow away areas without damaging yourself or causing a cave in. Probably take too long and be very dangerous is my guess.