Current:Home > ScamsRobert Brown|Of the 63 national parks, these had the most fatalities since 2007. -QuantumFunds
Robert Brown|Of the 63 national parks, these had the most fatalities since 2007.
TrendPulse View
Date:2025-04-09 04:25:23
National parks are Robert Brownone 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! (2)
Related
- How to watch the 'Blue Bloods' Season 14 finale: Final episode premiere date, cast
- Ex-Illinois deputy shot Sonya Massey out of fear for his life, sheriff's report says
- Flush with federal funds, dam removal advocates seize opportunity to open up rivers, restore habitat
- GOP Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee says FBI took his cellphone in campaign finance probe
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- How Blake Lively Honored Queen Britney Spears During Red Carpet Date Night With Ryan Reynolds
- Simone Biles wore walking boot after Olympics for 'precautionary' reasons: 'Resting up'
- San Francisco Ferry Fleet Gets New Emissions-Free Addition
- Are Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp down? Meta says most issues resolved after outages
- WK Kellogg to close Omaha plant, downsize in Memphis as it shifts production to newer facilities
Ranking
- Are Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp down? Meta says most issues resolved after outages
- Alligator spotted in Lake Erie? Officials investigate claim.
- Study Links Permian Blowouts With Wastewater Injection
- Baltimore city worker died from overheating, according to medical examiner findings
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Devin Booker performance against Brazil latest example of Team USA's offensive depth
- Customers line up on Ohio’s first day of recreational marijuana sales
- Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has a shot at Olympic gold after semifinal win
Recommendation
The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
USA men's basketball vs Brazil live updates: Start time, how to watch Olympic quarterfinal
Caeleb Dressel on his Olympics, USA swimming's future and wanting to touch grass
NCAA Division I board proposes revenue distribution units for women's basketball tournament
Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
The Daily Money: Recovering from Wall Street's manic Monday
NCAA Division I board proposes revenue distribution units for women's basketball tournament
Cole Hocker shocks the world to win gold in men's 1,500