Yellowstone National Park witnessed a tragic incident in 2016 when a young man lost his life in a shocking manner by falling into a scalding hot spring. Colin Scott, 23, was exploring the park with his sister when they ventured into the Norris Geyser Basin, an area known for its extreme thermal activity. The park, spanning across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is famous for its geysers, hot springs, and stunning landscapes, but visitors are constantly reminded of the dangers posed by the park’s geothermal features.
According to an official report, Colin and his sister intentionally strayed off the designated boardwalk for tourists in the Norris Geyser Basin and wandered over 225 feet into a restricted area. They were reportedly searching for a spot to indulge in “hot-potting,” a prohibited practice of bathing in the park’s thermal waters. This activity is considered risky due to the unstable ground, high temperatures, and corrosive nature of the water, with at least 22 similar deaths recorded since 1890.
While Colin was bending down to check the water’s temperature, he accidentally fell into the scorching hot spring, which can reach temperatures as high as 93 °C. His sister tried to seek help, but the lack of mobile coverage in the area forced her to walk to a nearby ranger station. When rescue teams arrived, it was challenging to access the dangerous pool due to approaching darkness and a lightning storm warning. They suspended their efforts and resumed the search the following day, but only Colin’s wallet and shoes were recovered as his body had dissolved due to the extreme heat and acidity of the water.
Park officials reiterated their warnings about the hazards of the geothermal features following the incident. The deputy chief ranger at the time, Lorant Veress, described the park’s geothermal elements as “very unforgiving” and emphasized the importance of barriers and walkways in ensuring visitor safety. The Norris Geyser Basin is situated near the Yellowstone caldera, a volcanic system often referred to as a “supervolcano,” which fuels the area’s thermal springs but poses minimal eruption risks.