A man tragically passed away after falling into a hot spring at Yellowstone National Park. Colin Scott, a 23-year-old from Portland, was exploring the park with his sister, hoping to have an adventure and try “hot potting”—a local term for bathing in the park’s naturally heated waters. Yellowstone is famous for its large hot springs, drawing many visitors each year.
Their visit ended in tragedy. On June 7, Colin and his sister strayed from the safe path near Pork Chop Geyser. Colin, trying to test the water’s temperature, accidentally slipped into a hot pool. Sadly, he did not survive. Park officials later recovered his body from the surface of the spring.
The incident was recorded by Sable on her phone, but park authorities have chosen not to release or discuss the disturbing footage. Deputy Chief Ranger Lorant Veress described the Norris Geyser basin, where the accident occurred, as a dangerous area with boiling, acidic waters. The park enforces closures not only for safety but also to protect the delicate ecosystem.
Reports say the siblings had wandered off the boardwalk, trekking several hundred feet up a hill to find a spot for their hot potting. The spring temperatures can reach up to 400°F, enough to cause fatal injuries. After examining Colin’s body, a ranger confirmed a significant amount of dissolving due to the heat.
The official Yellowstone website notes that more than 20 people have died because of the park’s geothermal features over the years, though it’s important to consider the park receives millions of visitors annually.
This wasn’t the first fatality. In July 2022, a California man also died after entering the Abyss hot spring in Yellowstone Lake. His body was discovered days later, with DNA tests identifying him as 70-year-old Il Hun Ro.
Our thoughts are with the Scott family during this difficult time. For those planning to visit, it’s crucial to follow all safety rules to ensure a safe experience in Yellowstone’s natural beauty.