diff --git a/doc/fixes34.4 b/doc/fixes34.4
index d1c5283d1..cd199eb50 100644
--- a/doc/fixes34.4
+++ b/doc/fixes34.4
@@ -192,6 +192,7 @@ ensure monsters cannot teleport to or be created outside nonpassable bounds
 candles should not be fireproof
 monsters could end up off the left side of the Ranger quest start level
 worms don't have scales, krakens have tentacles, stalkers have a head
+you no longer "fry to a crisp" as a water elemental
 
 
 Platform- and/or Interface-Specific Fixes
diff --git a/src/trap.c b/src/trap.c
index 20780e6fe..d8d8eb9cf 100644
--- a/src/trap.c
+++ b/src/trap.c
@@ -4166,7 +4166,9 @@ lava_effects()
 	u.uhp = -1;
 	killer.format = KILLED_BY;
 	Strcpy(killer.name, lava_killer);
-	You("burn to a crisp...");
+	You("%s...",
+		(u.umonnum == PM_WATER_ELEMENTAL) ?
+		"boil away" : "burn to a crisp");
 	done(BURNING);
 	while (!safe_teleds(TRUE)) {
 		pline("You're still burning.");