Current:Home > FinanceOf the 63 national parks, these had the most fatalities since 2007. -ProsperityStream Academy
Of the 63 national parks, these had the most fatalities since 2007.
View
Date:2025-04-25 20:35:51
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! (91135)
Related
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- Amanda Seyfried Reveals Kids’ Reaction to Her Silver Hairstyle and Purple Lipstick at Met Gala 2024
- Baby found alive after Amber Alert issued, mom found dead in NM park; suspect in custody
- Police respond to shooting near Drake's Toronto home, reports say
- Louisiana high court temporarily removes Judge Eboni Johnson Rose from Baton Rouge bench amid probe
- Billionaire Ray-Ban Heir Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio Makes Met Gala Debut With Actress Jessica Serfaty
- Pro-Palestinian protesters retake MIT encampment, occupy building at Rhode Island School of Design
- Why Ben Affleck Was Not at the 2024 Met Gala With Jennifer Lopez
- Olympic men's basketball bracket: Results of the 5x5 tournament
- Kim Kardashian's 2024 Met Gala Glam Came Together Seconds Before Red Carpet
Ranking
- Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
- Condé Nast workers reach labor agreement with publisher, averting Met Gala strike
- Jeannie Epper, epic stuntwoman behind feats of TV’s ‘Wonder Woman,’ dies at 83
- Teyana Taylor’s Ex Iman Shumpert Reacts to Her Met Gala 2024 Transformation
- What to watch: O Jolie night
- Condé Nast workers reach labor agreement with publisher, averting Met Gala strike
- All eyes on The Met: What celebs will see inside Monday's high-fashion gala
- TikTok sues US to block law that could ban the social media platform
Recommendation
Tony Hawk drops in on Paris skateboarding and pushes for more styles of sport in LA 2028
We Can't Get Enough of Jennifer Lopez's Diamond Naked Dress at the 2024 Met Gala
Judge dismisses lawsuit by mother who said school hid teen’s gender expression
Planters nuts recalled due to possible listeria contamination: See products affected
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear ready to campaign for Harris-Walz after losing out for spot on the ticket
Usher Reveals Why He Didn’t Perform at 2024 Met Gala
Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama named NBA Rookie of the Year after a record-setting season
Met Gala outfits can't easily be recreated at home — but we have ideas