Current:Home > StocksOf the 63 national parks, these had the most fatalities since 2007. -消息
Of the 63 national parks, these had the most fatalities since 2007.
View
Date:2025-04-15 17:14:52
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! (94192)
Related
- 'Most Whopper
- Colorado finalizes new deal with Deion Sanders’ manager for filming on campus
- The timeline of how the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, unfolded, according to a federal report
- Pacific Northwest tribes are battered by climate change but fight to get money meant to help them
- SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
- Jupiter and Mars are about meet up: How to see the planetary conjunction
- Diamond Shruumz recall: FDA reports new hospitalizations, finds illegal substances
- Ryan Reynolds thanks Marvel for 'Deadpool & Wolverine' slams; Jude Law is a Jedi
- Juan Soto praise of Mets' future a tough sight for Yankees, but World Series goal remains
- Emma Hayes, USWNT send a forceful message with Olympic gold: 'We're just at the beginning'
Ranking
- Rylee Arnold Shares a Long
- Stetson Bennett shakes off 4 INTs, throws winning TD in final seconds as Rams edge Cowboys, 13-12
- Jordan Chiles must return Olympic bronze, IOC rules. USOPC says it will appeal decision
- Man arrested in connection with attempt to ship a ton of meth to Australia
- Don't let hackers fool you with a 'scam
- Some states still feeling lingering effects of Debby
- Tragic 911 calls, body camera footage from Uvalde, Texas school shooting released
- Adrian Weinberg stymies Hungary, US takes men's water polo bronze in shootout
Recommendation
2 killed, 3 injured in shooting at makeshift club in Houston
Elle King says dad Rob Schneider sent her to 'fat camp,' forgot birthday
Aaron Rai takes advantage of Max Greyserman’s late meltdown to win the Wyndham Championship
Should postgame handshake be banned in kids' sports? No, it should be celebrated.
'As foretold in the prophecy': Elon Musk and internet react as Tesla stock hits $420 all
For increasing number of immigrants, a ‘new life in America’ starts in South Dakota
Olympian Aly Raisman Slams Cruel Ruling Against Jordan Chiles Amid Medal Controversy
Colorado finalizes new deal with Deion Sanders’ manager for filming on campus