Death of Colin Scott

On June 7, 2016, Colin Nathaniel Scott, a 23-year-old American man from Portland, Oregon, died after falling into a thermal hot spring in Yellowstone National Park. The incident occurred in the Norris Geyser Basin, an area known for its geothermal features, including acidic and high-temperature hot springs. Scott and his sister, Sable Scott, had deviated from the designated boardwalk area and entered a restricted section of the park. Reports indicate that they intended to partake in "hot potting," the prohibited activity of bathing in Yellowstone's thermal pools.^[1]

Background

Norris Geyser Basin

Scott had recently graduated from Pacific University in Oregon and was traveling to Yellowstone National Park with his sister.^[1] He was a top student in his program.^[2] He had worked at Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve in Oregon.^[3] He had planned to enter a doctoral program at Portland State University.^[3]

After parking near the Norris Geyser Basin, the pair entered the prohibited area and walked 225 feet away from the prescribed boardwalk route.^[4] Yellowstone National Park regulations prohibit leaving designated paths in geothermal areas due to the extreme temperatures and acidity of the hot springs. Park officials stated that hot springs are a leading natural cause of injury or death in Yellowstone, with at least 22 recorded fatalities since 1890 at the time.^[5]

Incident

According to park reports, Sable Scott filmed their journey as they walked several hundred feet off the boardwalk.^[6] When they reached a thermal pool, Colin Scott knelt down to check the water temperature but slipped and fell in.^[7] The water in the Norris Geyser Basin can reach temperatures of over 93 °C (199 °F).^[4] His sister attempted to help but was unable to rescue him. Due to a lack of mobile phone service in the area, she had to travel to a nearby ranger station to seek assistance.^[8]

Recovery effort

When park officials arrived at the scene, they initially found partial remains, including Scott's head, upper torso, and hands.^[1] However, the extreme heat of the spring, along with an incoming lightning storm, prevented immediate recovery. By the following day, the acidic water had dissolved his body, leaving only a few personal belongings, such as his wallet and flip-flops.^[1]

Reaction and aftermath

The incident was widely covered in the media and reinforced warnings from park officials about the dangers of leaving designated pathways in geothermal areas.^[6] One academic wrote that Scott's tragic death in a Yellowstone hot spring highlights both the consequences of disregarding safety measures and the broader scientific implications of organic decomposition, thermophiles, and potential alternative postmortem practices.^[9]