Current:Home > ScamsOf the 63 national parks, these had the most fatalities since 2007. -ValueMetric
Of the 63 national parks, these had the most fatalities since 2007.
View
Date:2025-04-14 02:57:37
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! (42557)
Related
- Jury selection set for Monday for ex-politician accused of killing Las Vegas investigative reporter
- No, Alicia Keys' brother didn't date Emma Watson. 'Claim to Fame' castoff Cole sets record straight.
- 23-year-old Clemson student dead after Rolling Loud concert near Miami
- The underage stars of a hit 1968 version of 'Romeo & Juliet' sue over their nude scene
- The Daily Money: Spending more on holiday travel?
- Takeaways from AP’s report on financial hurdles in state crime victim compensation programs
- Rooted in Motown, Detroit style skating rolls on into the next generation
- 'Kindred' brings Octavia Butler to the screen for the first time
- Carolinas bracing for second landfall from Tropical Storm Debby: Live updates
- 'Reservation Dogs' co-creator says the show gives audiences permission to laugh
Ranking
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- Bronny James, LeBron James' son, suffers cardiac arrest during USC practice. Here's what we know so far.
- Theophilus London's family files a missing persons report for the rapper
- Judge in Parkland school shooting trial reprimanded for showing bias against shooter's defense team
- Krispy Kreme offers a free dozen Grinch green doughnuts: When to get the deal
- At 16, American teen Casey Phair becomes youngest player to make World Cup debut
- DeSantis uninjured in car accident in Tennessee, campaign says
- No, Alicia Keys' brother didn't date Emma Watson. 'Claim to Fame' castoff Cole sets record straight.
Recommendation
Olympic disqualification of gold medal hopeful exposes 'dark side' of women's wrestling
Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh facing four-game suspension, per reports
High-income retirement savers may have to pay tax now on catch-up contributions. Eventually.
Comic Jerrod Carmichael bares his secrets in 'Rothaniel'
Residents in Alaska capital clean up swamped homes after an ice dam burst and unleashed a flood
Britney Spears gushes over Lance Bass' twins to whom she is a 'new auntie': See photos
Takeaways from AP’s report on financial hurdles in state crime victim compensation programs
Defense wants Pittsburgh synagogue shooter’s long-dead father exhumed to prove paternity