Current:Home > NewsEchoSense:Of the 63 national parks, these had the most fatalities since 2007. -RiskWatch
EchoSense:Of the 63 national parks, these had the most fatalities since 2007.
Ethermac View
Date:2025-04-09 01:50:05
National parks are EchoSenseone 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! (9)
Related
- Jamie Foxx gets stitches after a glass is thrown at him during dinner in Beverly Hills
- Mayor Karen Bass calls Texas governor 'evil' for busing migrants to Los Angeles during Tropical Storm Hilary
- Arkansas man pleads guilty to firebombing police cars during George Floyd protests
- It's official! UPS and Teamsters ratify new labor contract avoiding massive strike
- Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
- Gwyneth Paltrow’s Body Double Says She Developed Eating Disorder After Shallow Hal Movie Release
- New York City Mayor Eric Adams responds to migrant crisis criticism: Everything is on the table
- Aaron Rodgers no longer spokesperson for State Farm after 12-year partnership, per report
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- New Mexico’s Veterans Services boss is stepping down, governor says
Ranking
- Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
- Drought affecting Panama Canal threatens 40% of world's cargo ship traffic
- Rail union wants new rules to improve conductor training in the wake of 2 trainee deaths
- More than 100,000 people have been evacuated over 3 weeks from flooding in Pakistan
- Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
- TikToker VonViddy Dies by Suicide at 32
- Halle Berry will pay ex Olivier Martinez $8K a month in child support amid finalized divorce
- Rail union wants new rules to improve conductor training in the wake of 2 trainee deaths
Recommendation
Tom Holland's New Venture Revealed
FDA says to stop using 2 eye drop products because of serious health risks
New York Jets receiver Corey Davis, 28, announces retirement: 'Decision has not been easy'
Giants tight end Tommy Sweeney collapses from ‘medical event,’ in stable condition
This was the average Social Security benefit in 2004, and here's what it is now
Vanessa Bryant Sends Message to Late Husband Kobe Bryant on What Would've Been His 45th Birthday
Trust the sex therapist, sober sex is better. You just have to get the courage to try it.
Man convicted of killing Kristin Smart is attacked in prison and hospitalized in serious condition