Remains of Dead Spelunker to Stay in Cave

(Spanish Fork, Utah) Native to Utah, a 26-year-old student attending medical school in Virginia, John Jones, decided to go spelunking while on a visit back to his home state. Unfortunately, on Tuesday Jones became stuck in Nutty Putty Cave and attempts to rescue him were frustrated by equipment problems.

After 24 hours of rescue efforts, Jones began having breathing problems and reportedly died late Wednesday.

Officials say it is just too risky and dangerous to try to remove John Jones body. The cave will be permanently closed and sealed office (sic).

Officials have set up a meeting on Monday to talk about how that will be done. A sheriff's deputy will remain at the entrance of the cave until it is permanently sealed to prevent anyone from going inside.

The site will then become a memorial for Jones.

Although the thought of leaving Jones' body in the cave is unpleasant to entertain, it's not unusual for the remains of dead adventurers to be left where they died. Notable examples are the many climbers who are frozen in place forever on Mount Everest, Austin-Godwin (K2) and others.

Condolences to Jones' family and friends.