A man fell into the Yellowstone hot spring and his body was completely dissolved within a day. The man was identified as Colin Nathaniel Scott and he was 23 years old at the time of his death. The incident took place at the Norris Geyser Basin on June 7.
Yellowstone National Park Tragedy
Yellowstone National Park has a massive magma chamber located beneath it, which is one of the largest in the world. As a result of this incredibly hot energy source, the water systems surrounding the park can be extremely hot and highly acidic. After a local TV network requested more details regarding the incident with the help of the Freedom of Information Act, new information has come to light.
KULR outlet reported that the 23-year-old was looking for a place to “hot pot” in Yellowstone National Park. Deputy Chief Ranger Lorant Veress reported that the area is very dangerous and has acidic boiling water all around. He explained,
“There’s a closure in place to keep people from doing that for their own safety and also to protect the resources because they are very fragile. But, most importantly for the safety of people because it’s a very unforgiving environment.”
The reports also quoted Colin’s sister Sable Scott who said that he “Was reaching down to check the temperature of a hot spring when he slipped and fell into the pool.”
Chief Veress further stated that the brother-sister duo “Were specifically moving in that area for a place that they could potentially get into and soak. I think they call it Hot Potting.”
The report indicates that Sable utilized her phone’s camera to capture the journey towards the hot spring. According to the report, Sable was filming a video of her brother when the tragic accident occurred. Although, the park officials have refused to release the video footage or even provide a description of it. It is probably because the video could be too graphic or disturbing for public viewing.
Search and rescue rangers discovered the victim’s body, along with his wallet and flip-flops, in the pool. However, recovery efforts were interrupted by a lightning storm. The following day, workers were unable to locate any remains. According to Veress, the water was turbulent and acidic, causing rapid dissolving.
Veress emphasized the importance of warning signs in the park, stating,
“Yellowstone is a wild place that has not been significantly altered by humans to make it safer. It has its own inherent dangers. Additionally, Yellowstone is a unique location due to its incredible geothermal resources.”
