Colin Scott, a 23-year-old from Portland, was exploring Yellowstone National Park with his sister, seeking an adventure and perhaps a unique experience of “hot potting”—a local term for the practice of bathing in the park’s naturally heated waters.

Yellowstone is renowned for hosting the United States’ largest hot spring, a marvel that attracts countless visitors each year. Their quest for a memorable sibling day out, however, ended in heartbreak.

An aerial photograph of Excelsior Geyser and Grand Prismatic Spring in the Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park.
Credit: Smith Collection/Gado/Getty
During their investigation, Colin’s sister, Sable Scott, recounted to the authorities how the pair had strayed from the safety of the designated boardwalk near Pork Chop Geyser on June 7. It was during this detour that Colin, attempting to gauge the temperature of the water, tragically “slipped and fell” into a scorching pool, leading to fatal consequences.

His body was later retrieved by park officials after it was spotted floating atop the hot spring’s surface.

The chilling video was captured on Sable’s phone, but due to the distressing nature of the footage, park authorities have chosen not to publicize or detail its contents.

Deputy Chief Ranger Lorant Veress described the Norris Geyser basin, the scene of the mishap, as a “very dangerous” location filled with boiling, acidic waters. He emphasized that closures are enforced not only for visitor safety but also to safeguard the park’s delicate ecosystem.

Reports from the Daily Mail indicated that Colin and Sable had “left the boardwalk and trekked several hundred feet up a hill,” in search of a suitable spot for their intended hot potting activity.

Veress remarked, “They 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 temperature in the spring can soar to a perilous 400 degrees, potent enough to cause fatal injuries or even dissolve human flesh. Following the examination of Colin’s remains, a ranger confirmed the grim outcome: “There was a significant amount of dissolving.”

The official Yellowstone website notes that over 20 individuals have succumbed to the park’s geothermal features over the years. Yet, it also contextualizes these tragedies within the vast number of annual visitors, which can reach four million.

Before this incident, on July 31, 2022, a California man lost his life after entering the Abyss hot spring in the West Thumb Geyser Basin at Yellowstone Lake. It was days before any sign of him was discovered—a shoe and part of a foot floating in the 140-degree water.

DNA testing later identified the man as 70-year-old Il Hun Ro. Our hearts go out to the Scott family as they navigate through this incredibly difficult period.

For those planning a visit to Yellowstone, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with all safety guidelines and park rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience amidst its natural wonders.