Yellowstone National Park witnessed a tragic event in 2016 when a young man tragically lost his life after falling into a scalding hot spring. Colin Scott, 23, was exploring the park with his sister when they ventured into the Norris Geyser Basin, well-known for its thermal activity and dangerous conditions. The park, spanning Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is famous for its geysers and hot springs, but visitors are regularly cautioned about the risks posed by the park’s geothermal features.
An official report revealed that Colin and his sister strayed from the designated safe boardwalk into a restricted area in the Norris Geyser Basin, venturing more than 225 feet away. They were reportedly searching for a spot for “hot-potting,” a prohibited practice of bathing in the park’s thermal waters. This activity is considered hazardous due to the unstable ground, extreme temperatures, and corrosive nature of the water, with at least 22 similar deaths recorded in the park since 1890.
Colin tragically fell into the scalding hot spring, which can reach temperatures as high as 93°C, while checking the water’s temperature. His sister tried to seek help, but the lack of mobile coverage forced her to walk to a ranger station for assistance. When rescue teams arrived, it was too dangerous and late to access the pool due to approaching darkness and a lightning storm warning. They had to suspend their efforts and resume the search the next day, but only Colin’s wallet and shoes could be retrieved from the site as the extreme temperature and high acidity had caused his body to dissolve.
Park officials reiterated the importance of following safety warnings, emphasizing that the geothermal features are unforgiving and barriers are in place to protect visitors. The Norris Geyser Basin is situated near the Yellowstone caldera, a volcanic system often referred to as a “supervolcano,” which powers the thermal springs without posing a significant eruption risk.