The geothermal ponds and pools at Yellowstone are extremely hot on the surface – 199°F (93°C) – but reach significantly higher temperatures further down.

Visitors are warned by the National Park Service to remain on boardwalks or trails that go through thermal areas. “Hot springs have injured or killed more people in Yellowstone than any other natural feature,” warnings on the website read.

What a horrifying ordeal, and definitely something that could have been avoided if Colin and his sister had heeded the warnings.

If you found this story interesting, you might want to read this one about a pregnant mother and her two young sons who were found dead inside a camper at a Kansas motocross track.