Efforts to save a life praised

In the end, it was about gratitude anyway.

Though his son John Jones died near midnight on Wednesday after being stuck upside down in a cave for 27 hours, the only message Leon Jones had Thursday was one of thanks.

He was quiet and somber as the family's LDS bishop read a prepared statement, but broke his silence long enough to thank the 100-plus volunteers who worked for hours to free his son. He thanked everyone who followed the story for their interest and support. For their thoughts and their prayers.

According to the family statement read by Bishop Dan Hunter, John Jones will be remembered for "his good nature, delightful sense of humor, strong work ethic, a genuine love of people, a masterful ability to relate to children, a love of and unwavering faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and his commitment to his family as an amazing husband, father, son and brother."

Jones leaves behind a wife, who is expecting the couple's second child in June, and a young daughter.

The family — including Jones' wife and daughter, parents, four brothers, two sisters and 16 nieces and nephews — said in the statement that they are grateful for the rescue efforts and know officials "did all they could to get John out," including singing LDS children's songs to help get him through the night.

"We'll never fully understand how or why it was John's time to leave us. But we find comfort knowing that he fulfilled his purpose here on Earth, and that we will be reunited with him again," the family stated, adding thanks to the many people and agencies that helped them and John. "Thank you, and God bless all of you on this Thanksgiving Day."

The efforts to rescue Jones, 26, after he became trapped 150 feet down and 700 feet inside the Nutty Putty Cave near Elberta in Utah County began Tuesday around 9 p.m. when a 911 call came in from Jones' brother, Josh.

Josh Jones said a group of 11 had entered the cave around 6:45 p.m. and that John Jones went off on his own to do some exploring. John Jones was able to make his way past a notoriously narrow crevice known as the Birth Canal before getting stuck, head-first, in an 18-inch by 10-inch gap, known as Bob's Push, described by police as an "L-shaped pinpoint."

Josh Jones said once he realized his brother was stuck, he went in, feet-first, and wrapped his ankles around his brother's legs in an effort to free him. After offering a "series of prayers," the group called 911.

Responders from more than a dozen organizations, including search and rescue volunteers and caving experts, were on the scene within an hour and began various efforts to free John Jones. They were able to free him using a rope-pulley system around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.