Current:Home > NewsOf the 63 national parks, these had the most fatalities since 2007. -VitalWealth Strategies
Of the 63 national parks, these had the most fatalities since 2007.
View
Date:2025-04-14 00:05:11
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! (6243)
Related
- Connie Chiume, Black Panther Actress, Dead at 72: Lupita Nyong'o and More Pay Tribute
- 'Passages' captures intimacy up-close — and the result is messy and mesmerizing
- Steph Curry rocks out onstage with Paramore in 'full circle moment'
- Horoscopes Today, August 8, 2023
- Connie Chiume, Black Panther Actress, Dead at 72: Lupita Nyong'o and More Pay Tribute
- A longshot Republican is entering the US Senate race in Wisconsin against Sen. Tammy Baldwin
- Even Zoom wants its workers back in the office: 'A hybrid approach'
- July was Earth's hottest month ever recorded, EU climate service says, warning of dire consequences
- Chief beer officer for Yard House: A side gig that comes with a daily swig.
- Ohio votes against Issue 1 in special election. Here's what that could mean for abortion rights.
Ranking
- Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time
- Craving more aliens after congressional hearing? Here are 3 UFO docuseries on streaming
- Zendaya's Hairstylist Kim Kimble Wants You to Follow These Easy AF Beauty Rules
- Riley Keough honors late brother, grandpa Elvis Presley with uncommon baby name
- Bet365 ordered to refund $519K to customers who it paid less than they were entitled on sports bets
- Kentucky’s Democratic governor releases public safety budget plan amid tough reelection campaign
- Coup leaders close Niger airspace as deadline passes to reinstate leader
- Meat processor ordered to pay fines after teen lost hand in grinder
Recommendation
The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
This 8-year-old can't believe her eyes when her Navy brother surprises her at school
Thousands of Los Angeles city workers stage 24-hour strike. Here's what they want.
Maryland detectives plead for video and images taken near popular trail after body found believed to be missing mother Rachel Morin
Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
Biden to establish national monument preserving ancestral tribal land around Grand Canyon
White House holds first-ever summit on the ransomware crisis plaguing the nation’s public schools
When do new 'Only Murders in the Building' episodes come out? Season 3 cast, schedule, how to watch