Human foot found in Yellowstone hot spring may be linked to July death

A human foot found in a Yellowstone hot spring has been linked to the death of Il Hun Ro a 70-year-old man from Los Angeles.¹ The foot, which was discovered on August 16, 2022, in the Abyss Pool hot spring, was identified through DNA analysis.

According to investigators, Ro likely fell into the hot spring on the morning of July 31, 2022.² The incident was not witnessed, and no foul play is suspected. An investigation was conducted, and evidence, including two shoe soles found in the hot spring, suggested that Ro may have fallen into the pool.³

Abyss Pool, where the foot was found, is one of the deepest hot springs in Yellowstone National Park, with temperatures reaching up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The park service has warned visitors to stay on designated boardwalks and trails in thermal areas and to exercise extreme caution around hot springs.⁴

The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of Yellowstone’s thermal areas and the importance of following safety guidelines when visiting the park.