Man Suffers Severe Thermal Burns Near Old Faithful

The following information was released by Yellowstone National Park

Late on Sunday, September 29, a 48-year-old man suffered severe burns to a significant portion of his body after falling into thermal water near the cone of Old Faithful Geyser.

Rangers and paramedics responded to the Old Faithful Inn at midnight where the man was staying. He reportedly told rangers that he had gone for a walk off the boardwalk without a flashlight and tripped into a hot spring. He got himself back to his hotel room and called for assistance. Rangers say that they detected evidence of alcohol use.

The man was taken by ambulance to West Yellowstone Airport and then flown by fixed-wing plane to Idaho Falls. He was admitted to the Burn Center at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

Rangers went out at first light Monday morning to investigate in the thermal area. They discovered several items near the geyser (the man’s shoe, hat, and a beer can), footprints going to and from the geyser, and blood on the boardwalk.

Investigations continue today, including assessing any damage to the geyser cone. The results of the investigation will be forwarded to the United States Attorney’s Office for prosecutorial review.