Yellowstone National Park is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, but its geothermal features can also be deadly. From scalding hot springs to explosive geysers, the park’s unique geological wonders have claimed the lives of at least 22 people since 1890. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll delve into the grim statistics, notable incidents, and safety precautions surrounding Yellowstone’s geyser-related fatalities.
Fatalities in Yellowstone’s Geothermal Features
Total Deaths
Since 1890, at least 22 people have died from injuries related to Yellowstone’s geothermal features, including hot springs, geysers, and mudpots.
Recent Incidents
- In 2022, a 70-year-old California man died after entering the Abyss hot springs pool, with his foot later found floating in the pool.
- In 2016, 23-year-old Colin Scott died after falling into a hot spring near Porkchop Geyser.
- In 2006, a six-year-old boy suffered serious burns after falling into hot water from West Triplet Geyser.
- In 2000, a 20-year-old woman died from third-degree burns after swimming in the Firehole River.
Injuries in Yellowstone’s Geothermal Features
Recent Incidents
- In 2022, a 20-year-old woman was seriously burned after entering Maiden’s Grave Spring to save her dog.
- In 2016, a 13-year-old boy was burned on his ankle and foot after his father slipped while carrying him near Old Faithful.
Safety Precautions in Yellowstone
Boardwalks and Signs
The National Park Service maintains boardwalks and posts signs to warn visitors of the dangers of the geothermal areas.
Temperature
The water temperature in these features can be extremely high, reaching up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lethal Conditions
The conditions in these pools are lethal to most living organisms, with only a few microorganisms able to survive.
Statistics on Yellowstone’s Geothermal Features
Visitation
Yellowstone National Park receives millions of visitors each year, making the chances of death or injury extremely low.
Hydrothermal Features
The park has over 10,000 hydrothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and mudpots.
Notable Incidents
Colin Scott
In 2016, Colin Scott died after falling into a hot spring while looking for a place to “hot pot.” His body was later found dissolved, with only his wallet and flip flops remaining.
Il Hun Ro
In 2022, Il Hun Ro’s foot was found floating in Abyss Pool, and his death was later confirmed through DNA evidence.
References
- https://www.unilad.com/news/us-news/yellowstone-hot-spring-body-dissolved-648625-20240418
- https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/human-foot-found-yellowstone-hot-spring-may-linked-july-death-rcna44039
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/01/05/la-man-foot-yellowstone-pool-death-unsolved/10994493002/
- https://www.yellowstonepark.com/things-to-do/geysers-hot-springs/cautionary-tale/
- https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/exploration-survival/brief-history-deaths-yellowstones-hot-springs/