On June 7, 2016, 23-year-old Colin Scott was exploring Yellowstone with his sister.
The siblings had strayed from the established path of the Norris Geyser Basin’s boardwalk.
It was here that Colin fell into a hot spring and ‘did not get out,’ according to a report from the National Park Service, as mentioned by The Guardian.
With no cellphone service, Colin’s sister, Sable, had no choice but to leave her brother behind and seek help from a nearby museum.
Tragically, by the time she could return with park officials, Colin could only be seen from the chest up, his hands also protruding from the water.
When officials came back the following day, Colin’s body had vanished entirely.
On June 9, US park ranger Phil Strehle noted in a report: “Due to the report of the individual not previously visible, a lack of movement, suspected extreme temperatures, and indications of several thermal burns, the subject was determined to be deceased.”
This grim outcome was later visualized in a simulation shared on a YouTube channel.
YouTuber Zack D Films posted this simulation on August 20 of this year, illustrating what might have happened when Colin fell into the hot spring.
It explains: “The hot water caused severe burns as soon as he fell in, but the water also contains acid which immediately began to eat away at his skin.
While the video suggests the water’s temperature prevented reaching Colin’s body, the official report mentioned that the area was too ‘volatile’ and an approaching lightning storm further delayed recovery efforts.
“The acid and heat had completely caused his body to dissolve leaving nothing but his wallet and his shoes.”
At the time, Park Superintendent Dan Wenk expressed condolences, stating: “We extend our sympathy to the Scott family.
“This tragic event must remind all of us to follow the regulations and stay on boardwalks when visiting Yellowstone’s geyser basins.”
