Over 200 people died in national parks last year: Where most were reported

(NEXSTAR) – National parks can be dazzling, offering space to explore features of nature you wouldn’t otherwise encounter. Consider the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, the wetlands of the Everglades, the redwoods of Sequoia, or the views of the Grand Canyon. 

The national parks served more than 323 million recreational visits in 2025. Unfortunately, some of those visitors didn’t make it out alive. 

Data from the National Park Service and an analysis by Nexstar found more than 200 deaths reported across the parks (a collective term for all units overseen by NPS) last year. 

That’s up from about 190 reported in 2024, but down from the more than 230 reported in 2023.

Unlike previous years, the NPS did not provide many details about the deaths recorded last year. However, a review of press releases from the parks and local media reports suggests few involved wildlife. 

Outside of the fatalities defined as “undetermined,” drownings and crashes were the leading causes of death. 

Some crashes did involve animals. A 60-year-old motorcyclist died after colliding with a deer on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the most visited NPS site of 2025. And in August, a 24-year-old man died after the vehicle he was driving........

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