Current:Home > InvestOf the 63 national parks, these had the most fatalities since 2007. -Pinnacle Profit Strategies
Of the 63 national parks, these had the most fatalities since 2007.
Charles Langston View
Date:2025-04-08 04:38:14
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! (8112)
Related
- Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
- As writers and studios resume negotiations, here are the key players in the Hollywood strikes
- Princess Beatrice's Husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi Shares Royally Cute Photo of 2-Year-Old Daughter Sienna
- UK leader Rishi Sunak delays ban on new gas and diesel cars by 5 years
- Krispy Kreme offers a free dozen Grinch green doughnuts: When to get the deal
- Fishmongers found a rare blue lobster. Instead of selling it, they found a place it could live a happy life
- Iran’s parliament passes a stricter headscarf law days after protest anniversary
- DJ Khaled Reveals How Playing Golf Has Helped Him Lose Weight
- Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
- UNESCO adds World War I remembrance sites to its prestigious heritage registry
Ranking
- Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
- Ohio’s political mapmakers are going back to work after Republican infighting caused a week’s delay
- Julie Chen Moonves Accuses 2 Former The Talk Cohosts of Pushing Her Off Show
- Woman rescued from outhouse toilet in northern Michigan after dropping Apple Watch, police say
- What to know about Tuesday’s US House primaries to replace Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz
- Gigi Hadid Gives Glimpse Into Birthday Celebrations for Her and Zayn Malik's 3-Year-Old Daughter Khai
- Prince William says 'optimism' and 'hope' is key to climate reform during Earthshot Prize in NYC
- The Asian Games: larger than the Olympics and with an array of regional and global sports
Recommendation
Trump suggestion that Egypt, Jordan absorb Palestinians from Gaza draws rejections, confusion
19-year-old daredevil saved after stunt left him dangling from California's tallest bridge
Danica McKellar Reveals Teen Love Triangle With Candace Cameron Bure and Jeremy Miller
Man set to be executed for 1996 slaying of University of Oklahoma dance student
A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
The Senate's dress code just got more relaxed. Some insist on staying buttoned-up
Senators weigh in on lack of dress code, with Susan Collins joking she'll wear a bikini
Exclusive clip: Oprah Winfrey talks Ozempic, being 'shamed in the tabloids' for weight