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A woman whose husband died the ‘worst possible death’ has spoken out about the trolling she and her family are subjected to 13 years on from his passing.
John Edward Jones tragically died on 24 November 2009 whilst caving in ‘Nutty Putty Cave’ in Utah, a hydrothermal cave.
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His wife, Emily Jones Sanchez, and their two children were left behind.
John was exploring the cave alongside his brother, but got stuck in a narrow tunnel.
He was stuck in the tunnel for over 25 hours, but because of the pressure his body felt and the position he was stuck in, he tragically could not be safely rescued.
The rescue team could not reach John’s body, either, so the cave was closed off and sealed around his body, where it is to this day a memorial for the father of two.
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Emily has recently spoken about the online harassment she and her family continue to face after continuing on with their lives following her husband’s death.
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The bereaved wife since went on to remarry, and has had two more children with her new husband.
But despite the tragic ordeal unfolding over a decade ago, the mother of four has been subjected to horrific online trolling on her Facebook page.
One social media user wrote beneath a post Emily shared in March 2020: "JOHN WAS BETTER ! RIP JOHN IF I WAS YOUR WIFE I WOULD HAVE NEVER MOVED ON SOO SOON AND WOULD BE SHARING YOUR STORY AND LIFE. AND POSTING ABOUT YOU.”
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Another comment reads: "Is that John on ur profile picture? Or is it another man I’m genuinely confused I swear John passed away."
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A third user added: "Just saw the movie of the story of John. Just wondering, when you die and go to heaven, who will you be with? It breaks my heart how easily people focus on happiness in this earthly life instead of holding on and wait to be re-united."
In an interview with Deseret News, Emily spoke out against the trolling and stood behind her new husband, explaining that it's 'never been hard to talk about John' to her second spouse Donovan Sanchez.
"It’s never been hard to remember John," she said. "Ever since the very beginning, ever since I first met Donovan, he’s been really comfortable with John continuing to be a part of our family and our lives, especially because of our kids.
"He just knows that the kids need to remember their dad so he’s good about wanting to stay in touch with the Joneses and he loves the Joneses."
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Despite some of the horrendous comments, others have been quick to defend Emily and her family.
One user wrote: "I hope she does not read these comments… and I hope none of you have to go through what she has in her life. Losing someone is hard enough and going through pregnancy on your own [and] having to look at those kids every day knowing what happened to their dad. Having a film made about it.
"You may not agree with her choices but you don’t pay her bills, feed her kids or mow her grass… John loved her and she loved him, so just maybe he sent someone to help her get through it… It’s not easy to go through life on a good day so give it up… I hope she is every bit happy and blessed and the same to her beautiful children."
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
Featured Image Credit: Jones Family Handout