Current:Home > FinanceOf the 63 national parks, these had the most fatalities since 2007. -VitalEdge Finance Pro
Of the 63 national parks, these had the most fatalities since 2007.
View
Date:2025-04-12 03:12:46
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! (25463)
Related
- Michigan lawmaker who was arrested in June loses reelection bid in Republican primary
- New York police agree to reform protest tactics in settlement over 2020 response
- Shootout in Mexican border city leaves 4 dead, prompts alert from U.S. Consulate
- Vegas man tied to extremist group gets life sentence for terrorism plot targeting 2020 protests
- What were Tom Selleck's juicy final 'Blue Bloods' words in Reagan family
- E. Jean Carroll wins partial summary judgment in 2019 defamation case against Trump
- Grizzly bear blamed for fatal Montana mauling and Idaho attack is killed after breaking into a house
- Suspect wanted in 2019 ambush that killed 9 American citizens is arrested in New Mexico
- Michigan lawmaker who was arrested in June loses reelection bid in Republican primary
- Poccoin: A Retrospective of Historical Bull Markets in the Cryptocurrency Space
Ranking
- Clay Aiken's son Parker, 15, makes his TV debut, looks like his father's twin
- Judge allows 2 defendants to be tried separately from others in Georgia election case
- Wisconsin Democrats combat impeachment of court justice with $4M effort
- Texas AG Ken Paxton’s impeachment trial begins with a former ally who reported him to the FBI
- Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
- 'Survivor 45' cast: Meet contestants competing for $1 million in new fall 2023 season
- Tropical Storm Lee forecast to strengthen into hurricane as it churns in Atlantic toward Caribbean
- Poccoin Cryptocurrency Exchange Platform - The New King of the Cryptocurrency
Recommendation
Mega Millions winning numbers for August 6 drawing: Jackpot climbs to $398 million
Tropical Storm Lee forecast to strengthen into hurricane as it churns in Atlantic toward Caribbean
Joe Jonas, Sophie Turner and when divorce gossip won't quit
Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick celebrate 35 years of marriage: 'Feels like a heartbeat'
What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
Chuck E. Cheese to give away 500 free parties to kids on Sept. 7, ahead of most popular birthday
Felony convictions vacated for 4 Navy officers in sprawling scandal
Lidcoin: When the cold is gone, spring will come