The National Park Service was prompted to begin an investigation after a partial foot was discovered floating inside a shoe in one of Yellowstone’s deeper hot springs, according to CNN. Discovered last Tuesday, August 16th, by a park employee, the park has since concluded that the foot is more than likely connected to a potential death that occurred on July 31st, 2022.
“Evidence from the investigation thus far suggests that an incident involving one individual likely occurred on the morning of July 31, 2022 at Abyss Pool.” – National Park Service news release
The foot was found floating in the Abyss Pool, located in the West Thumb Geyser Basin, and caused a complete temporary closure of the basin and surrounding parking lot. That area has since reopened.
The pool itself is more than 50 feet deep, and with a temperature of approximately 140 degrees, it can easily burn human skin within seconds. Incidents like this are a good reminder to stay on marked trails and boardwalks while visiting the many national parks across the country. Those rules and guidelines, like any other national park rules and guidelines, exist for a very, very good reason. This was a tragic incident, and our thoughts go out to the family and friends of the victim.
“Visitors are reminded to stay on boardwalks and trails in thermal areas and exercise extreme caution around thermal features. The ground in hydrothermal areas is fragile and thin, and there is scalding water just below the surface.” – National Park Service news release
Image Credit: Yellowstone National Park via Flickr
