Death of Colin Scott
{{short description|2016 accident in Yellowstone National Park}}{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}
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.{{Cite news |last=Felton |first=Ryan |date=November 17, 2016 |title=Man's body 'dissolved' by Yellowstone hot spring after seeking place to swim |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/nov/17/yellowstone-oregon-man-body-dissolved-hot-spring |access-date=March 15, 2025 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}
Background
Scott had recently graduated from Pacific University in Oregon and was traveling to Yellowstone National Park with his sister. He was a top student in his program.{{Cite web |last=BROWN |first=MATTHEW |title=Man who died in hot spring a 'dream kid' |url=https://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/outdoors/2016/06/09/gruesome-hot-spring-death-serious-reminder-obey-rules/85645032/ |access-date=March 15, 2025 |website=Great Falls Tribune |language=en-US}} He had worked at Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve in Oregon.{{Cite web |date=June 9, 2016 |title=Portland man who died at Yellowstone remembered as a 'bright spirit' |url=https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/portland-man-who-died-at-yellowstone-remembered-as-a-bright-spirit/283-238027055 |access-date=March 15, 2025 |website=kare11.com |language=en-US}} He had planned to enter a doctoral program at Portland State University.
After parking near the Norris Geyser Basin, the pair entered the prohibited area and walked 225 feet away from the prescribed boardwalk route.{{Cite news |last=Mettler |first=Katie |date=June 9, 2016 |title=Man’s death shows the enticing beauty — and deadly power — of Yellowstone’s colorful hot springs |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/06/09/mans-death-shows-the-enticing-beauty-and-deadly-power-of-yellowstones-colorful-hot-springs/ |access-date=March 15, 2025 |work=The Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Ferry |first=David |date=June 16, 2016 |title=A Brief History of Deaths in Yellowstone’s Hot Springs |url=https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/exploration-survival/brief-history-deaths-yellowstones-hot-springs/ |access-date=March 15, 2025 |website=Outside Online |language=en-US}}
Incident
According to park reports, Sable Scott filmed their journey as they walked several hundred feet off the boardwalk.{{Cite news |date=November 17, 2016 |title=Yellowstone Park accident victim dissolved in boiling acidic pool |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38018209 |access-date=March 15, 2025 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}} When they reached a thermal pool, Colin Scott knelt down to check the water temperature but slipped and fell in.{{Cite web |date=November 18, 2016 |title=First Picture Of Psychology Graduate Who Dissolved In Yellowstone National Park Hot Spring |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/psychology-graduate-colin-scott-dissolved-in-yellowstone-national-park-hot-spring_uk_582edd25e4b0b8f77010a8a1 |access-date=March 15, 2025 |website=HuffPost UK |language=en}} The water in the Norris Geyser Basin can reach temperatures of over 93 °C (199 °F). 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.{{Cite web |date=June 8, 2016 |title=Man Confirmed Dead After Fall in Yellowstone Hot Spring |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/man-confirmed-dead-after-fall-yellowstone-hot-spring-n588556 |access-date=March 15, 2025 |website=NBC News |language=en}}
=Recovery effort=
When park officials arrived at the scene, they initially found partial remains, including Scott's head, upper torso, and hands. However, the extreme heat of the spring, along with an incoming lightning storm, prevented immediate recovery. By the following day, the extremely hot water had dissolved his body, leaving only a few personal belongings, such as his wallet and flip-flops.
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. 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.{{Cite web |last=Thorson |first=Robert |date=July 31, 2021 |title=A Lesson From Yellowstone's Deadly Pools {{!}} Department of Earth Sciences |url=https://earthsciences.uconn.edu/2021/07/31/a-lesson-from-yellowstones-deadly-pools/ |access-date=March 15, 2025 |language=en-US}}