On June 7, 2016, Colin Nathaniel Scott, a 23-year-old American man from Portland, Oregon, died after falling into a thermal hot spring in Yellowstone National Park. The incident occurred in the Norris Geyser Basin, an area known for its geothermal features, including acidic and high-temperature hot springs. Scott and his sister, Sable Scott, had deviated from the designated boardwalk area and entered a restricted section of the park. Reports indicate that they intended to partake in "hot potting," the prohibited activity of bathing in Yellowstone's thermal pools.[1]
After parking near the Norris Geyser Basin, the pair entered the prohibited area and walked 225 feet away from the prescribed boardwalk route.[4] Yellowstone National Park regulations prohibit leaving designated paths in geothermal areas due to the extreme temperatures and acidity of the hot springs. Park officials stated that hot springs are a leading natural cause of injury or death in Yellowstone, with at least 22 recorded fatalities since 1890 at the time.[5]
Incident
According to park reports, Sable Scott filmed their journey as they walked several hundred feet off the boardwalk.[6] When they reached a thermal pool, Colin Scott knelt down to check the water temperature but slipped and fell in.[7] The water in the Norris Geyser Basin can reach temperatures of over 93°C (199°F).[4] His sister attempted to help but was unable to rescue him. Due to a lack of mobile phone service in the area, she had to travel to a nearby ranger station to seek assistance.[8]
Recovery effort
When park officials arrived at the scene, they initially found partial remains, including Scott's head, upper torso, and hands.[1] However, the extreme heat of the spring, which had reached 100°C (212°F), along with an incoming lightning storm, prevented immediate recovery. By the following day, the acidic water had dissolved his body, leaving only a few personal belongings, such as his wallet and flip-flops.[1]
Reaction and aftermath
The incident was widely covered in the media and reinforced warnings from park officials about the dangers of leaving designated pathways in geothermal areas.[6] One academic wrote that Scott's tragic death in a Yellowstone hot spring highlights both the consequences of disregarding safety measures and the broader scientific implications of organic decomposition, thermophiles, and potential alternative postmortem practices.[9]
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
