Current:Home > StocksOf the 63 national parks, these had the most fatalities since 2007. -NextFrontier Finance
Of the 63 national parks, these had the most fatalities since 2007.
View
Date:2025-04-11 12:08:48
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! (36)
Related
- Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
- An Iceland volcano erupts again but spares the nearby town of Grindavik for now
- College students are going viral on TikTok for luxury dorm room makeovers. You won't believe it.
- $1M verdict for teen, already a victim when she was assaulted by an officer
- North Carolina justices rule for restaurants in COVID
- Why Christina Applegate Is Giving a “Disclaimer” to Friends Amid Multiple Sclerosis Battle
- Daniela Larreal Chirinos, 5-time Olympic cyclist for Venezuela, dies in Las Vegas at 51
- Judges dismiss suit alleging Tennessee’s political maps discriminate against communities of color
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- 'SNL' star Punkie Johnson reveals why she left the show
Ranking
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- Delaware State travel issues, explained: What to know about situation, game and more
- Canada’s largest railroads have come to a full stop. Here’s what you need to know
- 'Believe that': The Arizona Diamondbacks may be the best team in baseball
- 'As foretold in the prophecy': Elon Musk and internet react as Tesla stock hits $420 all
- Maryland police officer convicted of tossing smoke bomb at police during Capitol riot
- Flick-fil-a? Internet gives side eye to report that Chick-fil-A to start streaming platform
- The Latest: The real test for Harris’ campaign begins in the presidential race against Trump
Recommendation
Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
Body of British tech magnate Mike Lynch is recovered from wreckage of superyacht, coast guard says
Taye Diggs talks Lifetime movie 'Forever,' dating and being 'a recovering control freak'
Judges dismiss suit alleging Tennessee’s political maps discriminate against communities of color
Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
Biden promised to clean up heavily polluted communities. Here is how advocates say he did
Holly Humberstone on opening Eras Tour: 'It's been a week, and I'm still not over it'
USA flag football QB says he's better at the sport than Patrick Mahomes 'because of my IQ'