Man Falls Into Hot Spring At Old Faithful Geyser, Sustains Severe Burns

A 48-year old man suffered severe burns after he fell into hot spring near the cone of Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone National Park late on Sunday.

Cade Edmond Siemers, a U.S. citizen residing in India, claimed he had gone out for a walk at night without a flashlight. While walking, he tripped and fell into the thermal water.

Rangers reached the Old Faithful Inn where Siemers was staying after receiving the information. Siemers had suffered severe burns to significant parts of his body. He was flown to Idaho falls from West Yellowstone Airport, where he is currently admitted to Burn Center at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

Rangers believe, Siemers may have been under the influence of alcohol, as they found a beer can and footprints leading to and from the geyser, along with Siemers’ hat and shoe when they went back to investigate the scene on Monday morning.

"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," the park service said in a statement on Monday.

This is the first such incident occurring in two years. In 2017, a man fell into the Lower Geyser Basin, sustaining severe burns.

“The ground in hydrothermal areas is fragile and thin, and there is scalding water just below the surface. Visitors must always remain on boardwalks and exercise extreme caution around thermal features,” the statement released by park service said.