Yellowstone National Park, WY — A young man from Oregon tragically lost his life after accidentally falling into a boiling hot spring at Yellowstone National Park, with the incident unintentionally recorded by his sister’s cellphone camera.
The fatal incident occurred on June 7, 2016, near the Porkchop Geyser in the park’s Norris Geyser Basin — one of the most geologically active areas in the United States. The victim, 23-year-old Colin Scott, and his sister, Sable, had wandered off the designated boardwalk in search of a natural hot spring experience known as “hot potting,” a highly dangerous and strictly forbidden activity within the park’s boundaries.
According to official reports, the siblings ventured off-trail and approached one of the geothermal pools. While testing the water’s temperature by reaching down, Colin lost his balance and slipped into the superheated spring. The horrifying fall was captured on Sable’s phone as she filmed their off-path excursion.
“The cellphone recorded the moment of the fall as well as her desperate attempt to help him,” stated the park service report.
Rescue efforts were hampered by hazardous ground conditions and an approaching thunderstorm, making it impossible for teams to recover Colin’s remains that evening. By the following morning, rangers returned only to find that the extreme environment had left behind little trace. Only a wallet and flip-flops were discovered near the pool’s edge.
Authorities believe the intense heat and high acidity of the spring rapidly disintegrated the body overnight. Water temperatures were recorded at approximately 212°F (100°C) — the boiling point — during the recovery attempt, a stark reminder of how unforgiving Yellowstone’s geothermal features can be.
“This particular section of the park is not just dangerous — it’s lethal,” said Yellowstone deputy chief ranger Lorant Veress in an interview with KULR 8 News. “That entire area is geothermally active and closed off for a reason. Visitors put their lives at serious risk when they ignore the safety barriers.”
Yellowstone sits atop the Yellowstone Caldera, one of the world’s largest active volcanic systems, often referred to as a “supervolcano.” This natural phenomenon fuels the park’s famous geysers and hot springs — but it also presents extreme danger for anyone venturing off established paths.
Park officials reiterated that thermal features are not safe for recreation. Unlike typical bodies of water, these hot springs can contain acidic elements and unstable ground that make recovery nearly impossible in the event of an accident.
The graphic footage from the incident has never been released to the public and remains archived with law enforcement.
This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the perils of ignoring park regulations in pursuit of thrill or curiosity. Yellowstone National Park receives millions of visitors each year, and safety officials continue to urge all guests to remain on marked trails and respect all posted warnings to prevent further loss of life in such dangerous terrain.