The loss of any life is always a tragedy, but there are times when we hear about incidents that leave us wondering how they could have possibly happened. One such incident occurred at Yellowstone National Park, where a man lost his life after falling into a hot spring.

Colin Scott, a 23-year-old man from Portland, was visiting the park with his sister when the tragic incident occurred. They were on a walk, exploring the park and searching for a place to enjoy the natural thermal hot springs, a practice known as hot potting.

What was supposed to be a fun and relaxing time turned into a nightmare. According to his sister, they had left the designated boardwalk near the Pork Chop Geyser when Colin bent down to check the temperature of one of the pools. Tragically, he slipped and fell into the scalding hot water.

Authorities later discovered his body floating on the surface of the pool. Although his sister captured the incident on her phone, the video and its contents are being withheld from the public due to its graphic nature.

Deputy Chief Ranger Lorant Veress emphasized the dangerous nature of the area where the tragic incident occurred. The Norris Geyser Basin, where they were visiting, is known for its acidic and boiling waters. To ensure the safety of visitors and protect the park’s resources, certain areas are closed off to prevent people from getting into the water.

Regrettably, Colin and his sister had wandered off the designated boardwalk and ventured a few hundred feet uphill, accessing an area where they could dip and soak. The temperature of the hot spring they entered reached a scorching 400°, capable of dissolving flesh. The Ranger even confirmed that significant dissolution had occurred.

Yellowstone National Park has sadly witnessed numerous fatalities over the years, with over 20 people losing their lives in geothermal pools, geysers, and hot springs. Considering the millions of people who visit the park annually, these numbers, although tragic, are relatively small.