I think Kyle might have made a misstep and ended up in the river unfortunately. I’ve been to Pine Flats many times, in summer and winter. It’s more developed now than in the past. Depending on where they camped, this could have been a case of misadventure. It’s quite steep getting into the hot springs, you actually have to climb a very steep rocky hill and descend a steep shale slope, with a very strong river below. Thee are 2 significant and deep eddies that carve under the mountains in this area and white water. With spring run off, this could be fast and deep. There are sand bars, that can appear direct routes, but it’s really only in winter these should be used to avoid climbing. This with some beer and youth, could create a tragedy.