A man trying to go ‘hot potting’ at Yellowstone National Park tragically fell into a boiling hot spring and was completely dissolved within just 24 hours.
Yellowstone National Park stretches mainly across Wyoming, while also extending into parts of Montana and Idaho. The stunning national park attracts an estimated three million visitors every year.
But despite its beauty, Yellowstone is also infamous for its dangerous geothermal features, and over the years several fatal accidents have occurred, including the devastating death of Colin Scott.
A forbidden adventure turns fatal
Colin, from Portland, Oregon, visited Yellowstone with his sister in June 2016. Reports stated that the 23-year-old and his sibling had been walking through an off-limits section of the park when the tragedy happened.
The incident occurred near the edge of the Yellowstone caldera, the enormous volcanic system often referred to as a ‘supervolcano’ or ‘hotspot.’
Warning signs throughout the area repeatedly instruct visitors to remain on designated boardwalks.
Deputy Chief Ranger Lorant Veress told local broadcaster KULR-TV (via the Guardian): “[They] were specifically moving in that area for a place that they could potentially get into and soak.”
The dangers of ‘hot potting’
‘Hot potting’ refers to bathing in naturally heated springs, and the deeper the geothermal activity beneath the rocks, the hotter the water becomes.
“There’s a big difference between warm springs and hot springs, and you can’t necessarily tell the difference just by looking. In fact, hot springs can appear deceptively cool,” Healthline warns.
Before the pair managed to locate a suitable spot, Colin reportedly slipped into one of the scalding pools while his sister was filming their trip.
According to the official report into the incident: “The smartphone recorded the moment he slipped and fell into the pool and her efforts to rescue him.”
Without any cell service available, Colin’s sister rushed to a nearby museum to seek help, but rescuers were unable to save him.
Rescue crews faced impossible conditions
Yellowstone’s official website states that many of the park’s hot springs reach temperatures of 199 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
When emergency crews arrived at the scene, Colin’s head, upper torso, and hands could reportedly still be seen in the bright blue water.
US park ranger Phil Strehle later wrote in a separate report: “Due to the report of the individual not previously visible, a lack of movement, suspected extreme temperatures, and indications of several thermal burns, the subject was determined to be deceased.”
Recovery teams were ultimately unable to retrieve Colin’s remains because of the unstable thermal ground and an approaching lightning storm.
No remains were left behind
When officials returned to the area the following morning, Colin’s body had disappeared entirely. Only his wallet and flip-flops were recovered.
“In a very short order, there was a significant amount of dissolving,” Veress said.
Park spokesperson Charissa Reid added: “They were able to recover a few personal effects. There were no remains left to recover.”
Authorities have never released the footage captured during the tragedy, nor provided details about what it showed, out of respect for Colin’s family.
Park Superintendent Dan Wenk said in a statement: “We extend our sympathy to the Scott family.
“This tragic event must remind all of us to follow the regulations and stay on boardwalks when visiting Yellowstone’s geyser basins.”
Horrifying simulation reveals what happened to Colin
A video simulation, released on YouTube by content creator Zack D Films, visualizes what likely happened to Colin in the hours following his fall.
According to the breakdown, the superheated water would have inflicted severe burns instantly, causing shock within minutes.
The acidity of the spring then accelerated the breakdown of his body until nothing was left.
The creator explained that the intent of the simulation was to serve as a stark warning: Yellowstone’s geothermal pools are not hot tubs, but lethal natural features.
