Current:Home > ScamsOf the 63 national parks, these had the most fatalities since 2007. -CapitalWay
Of the 63 national parks, these had the most fatalities since 2007.
View
Date:2025-04-28 00:28:19
National parks are one of the top destinations for tourists and hikers in the summertime, but they can also be potentially deadly places, if caught unprepared.
Most recently, a 41-year-old hiker who spent the night at the bottom of the Grand Canyon was found dead not far from where he overnighted. It is the second reported death at the Grand Canyon this year. Park rangers recovered the body of a missing 58-year-old in the Colorado River on May 10, according to the park service. Both deaths are under investigation.
An analysis by USA TODAY of National Park Service data dating back to 2007 found that Grand Canyon National Park has the most reported deaths of any other park. Here is what the data shows:
Graphics explain:How many people visit our America's national parks?
Grand Canyon is most fatal national park
Since 2007, 198 people have died in Grand Canyon National Park, according to the National Park Service. Although these deaths are alarming, the average odds of a fatal incident occurring in a national park are slim.
Outdoor clothing company KÜHL said on its website, "The average odds of a fatal incident in national parks are about 1 in 664,099 visitors,” They continued, “the odds of a pedestrian dying in a traffic crash are 1 in 485, according to the National Safety Council. Hiking in a national park usually presents fewer risks than going to your local coffee shop.”
These are the top causes of death in Grand Canyon National Park:
Which national parks had the most deaths?
With 63 national parks spanning the United States, visitors have their fair share of natural beauty to explore. From Acadia National Park in Maine to Olympic National Park in Washington and California's Yosemite to Tennessee and North Carolina's Great Smoky Mountains, each park provides a unique experience.
It's important for visitors to prepare and research the parks beforehand so they know of any potential hazards.
The National Park Service has fatality data spanning its 63 parks, many recreation areas and other land run by the NPS. Between 2007 and March of this year, NPS reported more than 4,000 deaths in its parks, recreation areas, and all NPS-managed facilities.
Death statistics may not be an accurate measuring stick for safety because they don’t always reflect the bigger picture. For instance, the 198 deaths cited at Grand Canyon since 2007 are significant, but they represent a fraction of the more than 77.9 million people who visited the park over the same period.
Additionally, causes of death aren’t always related to the parks.
Suicide accounted for 93% of all reported intentional deaths, according to the park service.
Of the deaths reported in national parks, half of them were from unintentional causes. These include, vehicle crashes, drownings and fallings - which were the top three leading causes of death in parks.
How do you stay safe in a park?
The key to a safe national park visit is planning ahead and being fully prepared, beginning with individuals understanding the activities suitable for their skill level and educating themselves about potential hazards they may face. This is where the park service plays a crucial role.
Ina Hysi, an injury prevention specialist for the NPS previously shared tips with USA TODAY on how to prepare for your national park trip. Each park has its own dedicated website with information on hikes, campgrounds and more.
When it’s closer to their visit, travelers should check the park’s social media accounts for the latest updates. Visitors should always stop by the visitor center or a park ranger station to get the most up-to-date park conditions because “as we know, nature is unpredictable,” Hysi said.
veryGood! (81124)
Related
- Could your smelly farts help science?
- Can Panthers, Oilers keep their teams together? Plenty of contracts are expiring.
- Athing Mu's appeal denied in 800 after fall at Olympic trials
- Alec Baldwin attorneys say FBI testing damaged gun that killed cinematographer; claim evidence destroyed
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- What Euro 2024 games are today? Wednesday features final day of group stage
- Georgia Supreme Court removes county probate judge over ethics charges
- Totally Cool recalls over 60 ice cream products because they could contain listeria
- South Korea's acting president moves to reassure allies, calm markets after Yoon impeachment
- Miley Cyrus Channels Hannah Montana Era During Rare Outing With Boyfriend Maxx Morando
Ranking
- McKinsey to pay $650 million after advising opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales
- Billy Ray Cyrus Accuses Ex Firerose of Physical, Emotional and Verbal Abuse Amid Divorce
- Hunter Biden suspended from practicing law in D.C. after gun conviction
- Billy Ray Cyrus Accuses Ex Firerose of Physical, Emotional and Verbal Abuse Amid Divorce
- NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
- MLB mock draft 2024: Who's going No. 1? Top prospects after College World Series
- You’ll Be Enchanted by Travis Kelce’s Budding Bromance With Taylor Swift’s Backup Dancer
- Vanderpump Rules Star Lala Kent Shares Pregnancy-Safe Skincare, Mom Hacks, Prime Day Deals & More
Recommendation
Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
Chase Briscoe to take over Martin Truex Jr. car at Joe Gibbs Racing in 2025 NASCAR season
Primaries to watch in New York, Colorado, Utah
The 2024 Denim Trends That You'll Want to Style All Year Long (and They Fit like a Jean Dream)
Nearly half of US teens are online ‘constantly,’ Pew report finds
Tori Spelling Reveals She Once Got a Boob Job at a Local Strip Mall
Burning off toxins wasn't needed after East Palestine train derailment, NTSB says
Florida Panthers' 30-year wait over! Cats make history, win Stanley Cup