A tragic incident occurred when a young man lost his life after accidentally falling into a hot spring in Yellowstone National Park. Colin Scott, a 23-year-old resident of Portland, had ventured into the park with his sister, seeking the thrill of adventure and the unique experience of what is locally known as “hot potting,” a practice where visitors bathe in the park’s naturally heated waters.
Yellowstone is famous for having the largest hot spring in the United States, a stunning natural attraction that draws millions of visitors every year. Unfortunately, Colin and his sister’s day of exploration, meant to be a memorable sibling outing, ended in heartbreak.
On June 7, during their exploration, Colin’s sister, Sable Scott, recounted to authorities that the pair had ventured away from the safety of the established boardwalks near Pork Chop Geyser. It was during this time that Colin, in an attempt to check the water’s temperature, tragically “slipped and fell” into a dangerously hot pool. This unfortunate accident quickly turned fatal. Park officials later found his body floating on the surface of the hot spring.
Sable managed to capture video footage of the incident, but due to its distressing content, park authorities have opted not to release or share the video publicly. Deputy Chief Ranger Lorant Veress described the Norris Geyser basin—where the tragedy occurred—as an extremely hazardous area filled with boiling, acidic waters, highlighting that park closures are enforced not just for visitor safety, but to protect the fragile ecosystem within Yellowstone.
Reports from the Daily Mail indicated that Colin and Sable had “left the boardwalk and trekked several hundred feet up a hill” in search of an ideal spot to enjoy their intended hot potting experience. Veress noted that they were specifically searching in that location for an opportunity to enter the spring and soak in its warmth. It’s crucial to recognize that the temperature in these natural springs can reach a frightening 400 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to cause severe injuries or even dissolve human tissue.
After examining Colin’s remains, a ranger grimly confirmed the severity of the incident, stating, “There was a significant amount of dissolving.” The official Yellowstone website highlights that more than 20 individuals have tragically lost their lives to the park’s geothermal features throughout the years. This statistic, however, must be viewed in the context of the park’s immense annual visitorship, which can total around four million.
In another haunting episode, a California man met a similar fate on July 31, 2022, when he entered the Abyss hot spring in the West Thumb Geyser Basin. It took several days before any trace of him was found—a shoe and part of a foot were discovered floating in the 140-degree water. DNA testing later identified the victim as 70-year-old Il Hun Ro.
Our deepest sympathies go out to the Scott family during this profoundly difficult time. As a reminder for those planning to visit Yellowstone, it is essential to thoroughly understand and adhere to all safety guidelines and park regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience amid the breathtaking natural wonders that the park has to offer.