A man tragically lost his life after accidentally 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 for an adventure and possibly a unique experience of hot potting—a term used for bathing in Yellowstone’s naturally heated waters.
Yellowstone is famous for housing the largest hot spring in the United States, a breathtaking natural wonder that draws countless visitors annually.
However, what was meant to be a memorable outing for the siblings ended in unimaginable heartbreak.
An aerial photograph of Excelsior Geyser and Grand Prismatic Spring in the Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park.Credit: Smith Collection/Gado/Getty
During their investigation, Colin’s sister, Sable Scott, recounted to authorities how the two had wandered off the designated boardwalk near Pork Chop Geyser on June 7, leaving the safety of the marked path.
It was during this detour that Colin, in an attempt to test the water’s temperature, tragically “slipped and fell” into a boiling pool, resulting in fatal consequences.
His body was later recovered by park officials after being seen floating on the surface of the steaming hot spring.
The harrowing video was recorded on Sable’s phone, but due to the distressing nature of the footage, park officials have opted not to release or describe its contents.
Deputy Chief Ranger Lorant Veress described the Norris Geyser Basin, where the incident occurred, as an “extremely dangerous” area filled with acidic, scalding waters.
He stressed that restricted areas are closed off not only for visitor safety but also to protect the park’s fragile ecosystem.
According to reports from the Daily Mail, Colin and Sable had “left the boardwalk and hiked several hundred feet uphill” in search of a suitable spot for their planned hot potting activity.
Colin Scott (above) had been looking for a place to ‘hot pot’ when he accidentally slipped and fell into a scalding poolCredit: Facebook
Veress stated, “They were deliberately searching in that area for a spot where they could potentially soak. I believe they refer to it as Hot Potting.”
The temperature of the hot springs can reach a scorching 400 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to cause fatal burns or even dissolve human flesh.
After examining Colin’s remains, a park ranger confirmed the devastating reality: “There was a significant amount of dissolving.”
According to Yellowstone’s official website, more than 20 people have lost their lives to the park’s geothermal features over the years.
However, the site also puts these incidents into perspective, considering that the park welcomes nearly four million visitors annually.
Tourists standing on a boardwalk at the edge of the Abyss Pool at West Thumb Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park.Credit: Smith Collection/Gado/Getty
Prior to this tragedy, on July 31, 2022, a California man lost his life after stepping into the Abyss hot spring in the West Thumb Geyser Basin near Yellowstone Lake.
Days passed before any trace of him was found—a shoe and a partial foot floating in the 140-degree waters.
DNA analysis later confirmed the remains belonged to 70-year-old Il Hun Ro.
Our deepest condolences go out to the Scott family as they navigate this heartbreaking time.
For those planning a trip to Yellowstone, it’s essential to review all safety guidelines and park regulations to ensure a secure and memorable visit amid its breathtaking natural beauty.