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The Grand Canyon Leads the National Parks in Deaths, but it's Not for the Reason You Think
The Grand Canyon Leads the National Parks in Deaths, but it's Not for the Reason You Think
by Cheryl
Howdy from the West!
As of 2021, over 900 people have died in the Grand Canyon, averaging 11 deaths per year. The Grand Canyon? How is that possible? Don't people just stop, look over the edge and continue their vacation?
There's not alot of water for drowning or wildlife for mauling so why is the Grand Canyon so dangerous? My money was on falls. But I was wrong. Matt did some research for his Grand Canyon Audio Guide, and the truth surprised me.
Causes of Death in the Grand Canyon
#4 Drowning in the Colorado River. Most of us will never make the trek to the bottom of the Grand Canyon but the dangerous, and very cold Colorado River Runs through it and has claimed 100 lives.
#3 Environment Factors ( Dehydration, Cardiac Arrest, Freezing). The bottom of the canyon is 25 degrees warmer than the top, plus it's not uncommon for the temperature to change 40 degrees within a day. That's a recipe for overheating and freezing!
Plus, hikes always start off easy as you descend into the canyon. The work comes when you have to make your way out. It's super common for people to be ill prepared with not enough water or to overexert themself and suffer a heart attack.
Environmental factors have accounted for 124 deaths
#2 Falls. My kids always get the safety talk when we visit the Grand Canyon because that ledge FREAKS ME OUT. Disturbingly, 198 people have died from falls- broken into 3 sub categories
#1 Plane Crashes. In 1958, 2 commercial airlines flying over the Grand Canyon collided and 128 people died. Terrifyingly, this is not the only crash involving 2 aircraft crashing mid air. In 1986, a sightseeing airplane and helicopter crashed killing the 25 people on board.
The total number of aircraft deaths is 379.
Bottomline- stay safe out there.
Just for morbid curiosity other disturbing ways people have died in the Grand Canyon include: murder, crushed by a mule, poisonous plants and cliff jumping. Read about all the details on our blog post.
| Death in the Grand Canyon |
Matt and Cheryl
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Go West! Our mission is to help you have a great vacation to the West. We provide tips and self-guided tours.
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