A 48-year-old man is lucky to be alive after falling into a hot spring at the Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park. Cade Edmond Siemers suffered severe burns to most of his body and was rushed to the Burn Center at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Siemers told authorities that he went for a walk without a flashlight when he tripped and fell into the scalding hot water. Authorities believe he was drinking at the time, and they found an empty beer can near the spring the following morning. They also found his shoe, hat, and footprints leading to and from the geyser.
The water in the hot springs can reach temperatures above 200 degrees, and the steam that rises from the geyser has been measured at 350 degrees.
Officials are looking into the incident, and Siemers could face charges for entering an area of the park that is off-limits to the public.
"Investigations continue today, including assessing any damage to the geyser cone," the park service said in a statement. "The results of the investigation will be forwarded to the United States Attorney's Office for prosecutorial review."
Photo: Getty Images