The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a breathtaking natural wonder, attracting millions of visitors each year. However, this popularity also comes with a sobering reality – the park has seen a significant number of fatalities over the years. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll explore the causes, statistics, and safety precautions surrounding deaths in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Causes of Death in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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Motor Vehicle Crashes: The leading cause of death in the park, accounting for 36 of the 104 fatalities recorded between 2013 and 2023. The park’s winding roads and high traffic volume can be hazardous, especially for inexperienced drivers.
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Drownings: Drowning incidents are another significant cause of death in the park, with multiple incidents reported over the years. The park’s rivers, streams, and waterfalls can be treacherous, especially during high water levels.
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Medical Incidents: Medical emergencies, such as heart attacks and other health-related issues, are also a common cause of death in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Statistics on Deaths in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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Total Deaths: Between 2013 and 2023, there were 104 recorded deaths in the park.
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Monthly Distribution: The majority of fatalities occur in September, which is a peak tourist month, highlighting the importance of being extra cautious during the busiest times of the year.
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Gender Disparity: Men are more likely to die in the park, with nearly three-quarters of unintentional deaths being male. Men are 85% more likely to die from drowning and 82% more likely to die from a medical incident than women.
Safety Precautions in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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Slow Down: Visitors are encouraged to drive slowly and cautiously on the park’s winding roads, which can be hazardous, especially for inexperienced drivers.
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Emergency Planning: The National Park Foundation recommends having an emergency plan in place, including being prepared for limited cell service and knowing how to access emergency services.
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Wildlife Awareness: Visitors should be aware of wildlife, including deer and other animals that can suddenly appear on the roads, and take appropriate precautions to avoid collisions.
Comparison to Other National Parks
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Ranking: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is ranked as the fourth-deadliest national park in the United States, behind Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Yosemite National Park, and Grand Canyon National Park.
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Visitor Volume: Despite being one of the deadliest parks, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park receives around three times the number of visitors per year compared to the parks ranked above it.
Historical Incidents in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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1992 Fatalities: In 1992, there were multiple incidents, including a head-on collision that killed two people and injured three others, and a fatal air crash.
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Suicides: There have been reported cases of suicide within the park, including a 1994 incident where a woman was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
By understanding the risks and taking appropriate safety precautions, visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park can enjoy the park’s natural beauty while minimizing the chances of becoming a tragic statistic. Remember, safety should always be the top priority when exploring this magnificent natural wonder.
References
- Death in the Great Smoky Mountains: Stories of Accidents and Foolhardiness by Michael R. Bradley (Amazon)
- Crashes are the leading cause of death in Great Smoky Mountains, study finds (WBIR)
- Smokies National Park named in 5 deadliest national parks (WATE)
- Why Great Smoky Mountains National Park is among deadliest parks (Knox News)
- NPS Incident Reports – Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NPS History)