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 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. But their quest for a memorable sibling day out ended in heartbreak.

According to reports, Colin and his sister ventured off the designated boardwalk near the Norris Geyser Basin, an area known for its extreme danger. “There’s a reason why the boardwalks are there,” park officials often remind visitors. Unfortunately, Colin slipped and fell into a scalding, acidic hot spring.

Rescue attempts were impossible. The heat and acidity of the water quickly dissolved Colin’s body. “There was no remains to recover,” authorities confirmed, describing the pool as being “incredibly unforgiving.”

This tragedy highlights Yellowstone’s hidden dangers. Though beautiful, its geothermal features are lethal if approached recklessly. Visitors are urged to respect safety rules and remain on marked paths. As one ranger put it, “Yellowstone is wild and untamed—treat it with caution.”