Current:Home > ContactOf the 63 national parks, these had the most fatalities since 2007. -Visionary Wealth Guides
Of the 63 national parks, these had the most fatalities since 2007.
View
Date:2025-04-15 20:06:15
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! (66)
Related
- Average rate on 30
- Why some of Alaska's rivers are turning orange
- Sean Kingston's home raided by SWAT, mom arrested for 'fraud and theft'
- Beach weather is here and so are sharks. Scientists say it’s time to look out for great whites
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- Seinfeld's Michael Richards Shares Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
- Why Kim Kardashian Is Feuding With “Miserable” Khloe Kardashian
- The ‘Appeal to Heaven’ flag evolves from Revolutionary War symbol to banner of the far right
- The Super Bowl could end in a 'three
- Political consultant behind fake Biden robocalls faces $6 million fine and criminal charges
Ranking
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Coast Guard: 3 people missing after boat capsizes off Alaska, 1 other found with no signs of life
- A UK election has been called for July 4. Here’s what to know
- Rod Serling, veteran: 'Twilight Zone' creator's unearthed story examines human cost of war
- Federal court filings allege official committed perjury in lawsuit tied to Louisiana grain terminal
- To make it to the 'Survivor' finale, Charlie Davis says being a Swiftie was make or break
- 48-year-old gymnast Oksana Chusovitina won't make it to Paris for her ninth Olympics
- Norfolk Southern will pay modest $15 million fine as part of federal settlement over Ohio derailment
Recommendation
Are Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp down? Meta says most issues resolved after outages
Beach vibes, mocktails and wave sounds: Target to try 'immersive' summer spaces in stores
Cassie breaks silence, thanks fans for support after 2016 Diddy assault video surfaces
‘Heat dome’ leads to sweltering temperatures in Mexico, Central America and US South
Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
How many points did Caitlin Clark score last night? Not quite enough as Indiana Fever fell to 0-5
Chris Hemsworth went shockingly 'all in' as a villain in his new 'Mad Max' film 'Furiosa'
Save 20% on This Tatcha Moisturizer I’ve Used Since Kathy Hilton Sprayed It on Real Housewives