Acting United States Attorney Bob Murray announced today that Madeline S. Casey, age 26 of New Hartford, Connecticut was sentenced to seven days in jail for walking on thermal ground at Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park. In addition, she was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, $40 in fees, and a $1,000 community service payment to the Yellowstone Forever Geological Resource Fund. Casey appeared in front of Magistrate Judge Mark L. Carman in Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming on August 18, 2021, for sentencing.
Casey was with two other people as they made their way up to a thermal pool and geyser at Norris Geyser Basin. She and one other person got off the boardwalk and were walking on thermal ground. Multiple other people were concerned and took photos and videos of the three. Norris Geyser Basin is an area well marked with signs and warnings to stay on the boardwalk.
“Boardwalks in geyser basins protect visitors and delicate thermal formations. The ground is fragile and thin and scalding water just below the surface can cause severe or fatal burns. More than 20 people have died from burns suffered after they entered or fell into Yellowstone’s hot springs.”
– Yellowstone National Park Public Affairs Officer Morgan Warthin
“For those who lack a natural ability to appreciate the dangerousness of crusty and unstable ground, boiling water, and scalding mud, the National Park Service does a darn good job of warning them to stay on the boardwalk and trail in thermal areas. Yet there will always be those like Ms. Casey who don’t get it. Although a criminal prosecution and jail time may seem harsh, it’s better than spending time in a hospital’s burn unit.”
– Acting United States Attorney Bob Murray
This case was handled by Yellowstone National Park law enforcement officers and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Hambrick.
There have ALWAYS been people that do this and and stupid to think it’s a generational thing
Unfortunately this moron lives about 30 minutes away from me and is a disgrace to Connecticut. This is a result of a generation or two who were brought up to feel they were entitled and we should let nature do it’s part to “thin the herd”! Like comedian Ron White always says “you can’t fix stupid”.
I like the quote, “For those who lack a natural ability to appreciate the dangerousness of crusty and unstable ground, boiling water, and scalding mud…” In other words, “For those without a lick of sense…”; or For stupid folks…”; For those who believe they are special…”
We’re digressing as a society : (
Thank social media & the Kardashians for that
Wow, so ironic! You mean to say “regressing,” as In backwards progress. Digressing means to get off topic.