A heartbreaking tale from Yellowstone Park unfolds as man’s heroic act ends in one of the worst deaths imaginable

In a heartbreaking incident dating back to 1981, David Alan Kirwan, displaying extraordinary bravery, lost his life while attempting to rescue his friend’s dog from a scalding hot spring at Yellowstone Park. The incident unfolded on July 20 when Ronald Ratliff’s dog, Moosie, made a fateful decision to dive into the dangerously hot Celestine Spring.

The hot spring, known to reach temperatures as high as 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius), posed a severe threat to any living being entering its waters. Witnessing Moosie in distress, Kirwan and Ratliff rushed to the dog’s aid, despite the perilous conditions.

Despite pleas from onlookers, Kirwan made the courageous choice to jump into the boiling water to save his friend’s pet. However, the rescue attempt took a tragic turn. As Kirwan swam towards Moosie, he struggled to lift the dog out of the spring. In the process, Kirwan disappeared underwater, resurfacing briefly before attempting to escape the pool.

Upon pulling Kirwan from the water, Ratliff discovered that his friend had suffered second-degree burns on his feet. Kirwan, blinded by the experience, expressed regret, stating, “That was stupid. How bad am I? That was a stupid thing I did.”

The severity of Kirwan’s injuries became apparent when attempts to remove his shoes resulted in his skin coming off with them. He had sustained third-degree burns across his entire body, including his head. Tragically, Kirwan succumbed to his injuries the following morning at a Salt Lake City hospital. Moosie also did not survive the ordeal.

Yellowstone Park’s hot springs, known for their extreme temperatures, have been the site of numerous accidents. Since 1870, 22 scalding deaths have been reported, with Kirwan’s case standing out as a voluntary entry into the water—a stark contrast to most incidents, which involve accidental falls.

Despite the risks, tales of individuals attempting to rescue their pets from hot springs serve as a poignant reminder of the dangers posed by these natural wonders.