Deaths in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872 as the world’s first national park, spans across three states: Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. This majestic park, renowned for its geothermal features, including the iconic Old Faithful geyser, is a natural wonder attracting over 4 million visitors each year. Despite its beauty and tranquility, accidents and fatalities, unfortunately, are not uncommon. In this study, we will delve into the various incidents and fatalities that have occurred within Yellowstone National Park.

How Many People Die at Yellowstone National Park?

Yellowstone National Park, with its vast wilderness and unpredictable natural elements, has witnessed a significant number of fatalities over the years. From 2007 to 2023, a total of 74 deaths have been recorded within the park’s boundaries.

Cause of Death	Deaths
Medical	18
Motor Vehicle Crash	17
Drowning	9
Undetermined	9
Fall	8
Suicide	5
Wildlife Incident	3
Hypothermia	1
Firearm	1
Poisoning – Drugs	1
Homicide	1
Falling tree/branch	1
Total Deaths	74

Total Deaths by Sex

The distribution of deaths by sex reveals a higher number of male fatalities compared to females, with men accounting for a significant 77% of all recorded deaths:

Total Deaths by Age Range

An analysis of deaths by age range highlights the vulnerability of certain age groups when visiting Yellowstone.

• 65+ accounted for over 32% of deaths in Yellowstone
• 4% of Yellowstone deaths were of the age range 0-14, the lowest death count by age range
• Roughly 57% of deaths were of individuals 45+

The data suggests that older visitors, particularly those aged 65 and above, are at a higher risk, accounting for the largest proportion of deaths. In contrast, the younger age group of 0-14 years has the fewest reported deaths.

How Do People Die in Yellowstone National Park?

Yellowstone National Park’s breathtaking beauty and diverse recreational opportunities draw millions of visitors each year, but the park’s wild and unpredictable nature also poses serious risks. While enjoying activities like hiking, driving, and exploring the park’s geothermal wonders, some visitors tragically lose their lives.

• Driving accounted for over 45% of deaths by recreational activity, making it the most dangerous recreational activity in Yellowstone
• 16% of recreational activity deaths were caused by water-related activities: fishing, swimming and vessel related
• 38% of recreational activities deaths included walking (11.9%), climbing (4.76%), sports (2.38%), and hiking (19.05%)

Motor Vehicle Crashes – 19 Deaths

Motor vehicle crashes are the greatest cause of death in Yellowstone. The treacherous and winding roads contribute to the high risk of accidents, specifically head-on collisions between RVs, cars, and motorcycles.

If your loved one has died due to a car accident in or around the park, you may need the expertise of a Bozeman car accident attorney to navigate the complexities of legal proceedings and seek the justice you deserve.

Notable Deaths

University Student Killed In Head-On Accident

Date: Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Details: A Montana State University student was killed in a head-on collision on U.S. Highway 191 late Sunday afternoon. The studet was traveling north on the highway in his Subaru when it collided with a southbound Dodge Ram pickup truck. The accident occurred shortly before 5 p.m. between Big Sky and West Yellowstone. The 19-year-old student, who is from Califon, New Jersey, was declared dead at the scene. Both of the occupants of the pickup were injured in the accident and made full recoveries.

Motorcyclist Killed In Head-On Collision

Date: Monday, August 20, 2012

Details: A head-on collision late last Tuesday afternoon claimed the life of a motorcyclist from northeast Wyoming. The accident occurred shortly before 5 p.m. between Madison Junction and the Gibbon Falls overlook. A sport utility vehicle traveling southbound crossed the centerline of the road on the crest of a hill and into the path of three oncoming motorcycles. The 52-year-old motorcyclist was declared dead at the scene.

One Killed, Eight Injured In Head-On Collision

Date: Monday, August 27, 2012

Details: A two vehicle head-on collision was reported to park dispatch via a 911 call last Monday afternoon. The accident occurred on the Grand Loop Road between Lake Village and Grant Village, about two miles north of Pumice Point. Initial responding emergency units, primarily from Lake, Grant and Old Faithful, quickly extinguished a small fire in one vehicle and then began treatment of nine injured people

Hiking, Walking, and Climbing – 15 Deaths

Hiking, walking, and climbing are some of the most popular activities in Yellowstone National Park, drawing visitors eager to explore its rugged landscapes, geothermal features, and breathtaking views.

Between 2007 and 2023, these popular activities accounted for 15 fatalities in Yellowstone. The causes of these deaths frequently involve:

• Slips and Falls: The park’s challenging terrain increases the risk of dangerous falls, which can result in severe injuries or fatalities.
• Sudden Medical Emergencies: The physical demands of hiking and climbing can trigger unexpected health issues, particularly in individuals with pre-existing conditions.
• Exposure to the Elements: Rapid weather changes and extreme temperatures can lead to hypothermia or other environmental hazards.
• Close Encounters with Wildlife: Yellowstone’s wildlife, including bears and bison, can pose significant dangers to unwary hikers and climbers.

Notable Deaths

Young Girl Dies In Fall Into Canyon

Date: Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Details: An eight-year-old California girl was killed in a fall into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone on the morning of Sunday, August 17th.About two thirds of the way down the trail toward the observation platform, she reportedly stepped off the trail, lost her footing, and fell approximately 550 feet into the canyon.

Searchers Find Body Of Missing Visitor

Date: Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Details: On Friday, June 9th, park search crews found the body of an Illinois man who failed to return from a day hike he took on Wednesday on Rescue Creek Trail near the park’s North Entrance. The man, 53, evidently died in a fall from Turkey Pen Peak.

Two Die In Late Season Ice Climbing Attempt

Date: Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Details: The remains of two Montana men who died while ice climbing a frozen waterfall in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone were successfully recovered Tuesday afternoon. The men reportedly had several years of ice and mountain climbing experience.

Hiker Killed By Grizzly

Date: Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Details: Early Friday afternoon, a pair of hikers reported finding the body of a man along the eastern section of the Mary Mountain Trail. The 21-mile-long trail runs between Hayden Valley and the Lower Geyser Basin in the central section of the park. Rangers responding to the scene found the body of 59-year-old man and determined that the man had died from traumatic injuries sustained in a bear attack.

Water-Related Activities – 9 Deaths

Water-related activities in Yellowstone National Park, including swimming, fishing, and boating, are popular among visitors seeking to enjoy the park’s pristine lakes and rivers. However, these activities come with significant risks. The park’s waters can be deceptively hazardous, with strong currents, sudden changes in depth, and cold temperatures posing serious threats to safety.

From 2007 to 2023, nine fatalities have occurred due to water-related incidents in Yellowstone. These deaths often involve:

• Drowning Incidents: Unexpected falls into cold, deep, or fast-moving water can lead to drowning, particularly if individuals are not prepared for the park’s challenging aquatic conditions.
• Fishing Accidents: Fishing in Yellowstone’s rivers and lakes can be dangerous, with slippery rocks and strong currents contributing to falls and other accidents.
• Vessel-Related Accidents: Boating and other vessel activities are risky due to the potential for capsizing, collisions, or getting stranded in remote areas.

The park’s water bodies, while beautiful, require visitors to exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings to prevent tragic accidents.

Notable Deaths

Iowa Angler Dies After Falling Into Yellowstone River

Date: Monday, July 19, 2010
Details: Man, 65, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was fishing in the Yellowstone River Thursday near Mud Volcano. Around noon, he lost his footing while attempting to walk out to a small island in the middle of the river and was quickly carried away by the strong current.

Woman Drowns In Backcountry

Date: Monday, September 14, 2009
Details: A woman from Wyoming drowned last Thursday afternoon in the backcountry in the southwest corner of the park. H.L.S. of Jackson drowned in the Bechler River near a backcountry campsite located about five-and-a-half trail miles north-northeast of the Bechler Ranger Station.

Medical Deaths

Medical deaths are a significant cause of fatalities in Yellowstone National Park, accounting for over 25% of all deaths from 2007 to 2023. These deaths can be particularly tragic, as they often involve visitors who may have been unaware of underlying health conditions or the risks posed by the park’s environment.

• Age group 65+ accounted for over 70% of medical deaths in Yellowstone, with just over 41% of this data coming from the group ‘Not During Physical Activity”
• Group ‘During Physical Activty” accounted for 23% of total medical deaths

Most of these deaths occur among older adults, particularly those aged 65 and older, and they can happen during physical activity, outside of physical activity, or under circumstances where the exact cause is unknown.

Other Deaths in Yellowstone National Park

Other less common causes of death in Yellowstone include incidents categorized as not reported, sitting, sleeping, suicide, homicide, and others. These less frequent categories still contribute to the overall fatality statistics and highlight the diverse range of incidents that can occur in the park.

When Do People Die in Yellowstone National Park?

Understanding when people die in Yellowstone can help inform better safety practices and awareness for future visitors. This analysis looks at the data on deaths in Yellowstone by season and month from 2007 to 2023.

• July accounted for over 24% of Yellowstone deaths, with August as a close second at 20%
• 0 deaths have been reported in the month of March

Analyzing the data by season provides further insight into the times of year when fatalities are most common:

• Summer (43 deaths): By far the most dangerous season in Yellowstone with the month of July receiving the most fatalities. The combination of high visitor numbers and increased outdoor activities contributes to this high fatality rate.
• Spring (15 deaths): Spring sees a significant number of deaths as well, possibly due to unpredictable weather and the beginning of the peak tourist season.
• Autumn (10 deaths): As the weather cools and visitor numbers decrease, so do the fatalities.
• Winter (6 deaths): Winter remains the safest season in terms of fatalities, reflecting the lower visitor numbers and limited outdoor activities during this time.

Strange Deaths in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park, with its vast and diverse landscapes, has witnessed some unusual and unexpected deaths that stand out from the more common causes of fatalities. Here are some of the most peculiar cases:

Man Dissolved In Acidic Hot Spring
Date: June 7, 2016
Details: An Oregon man tragically died after falling into a boiling hot spring at Yellowstone National Park while searching for a place to soak in warm water, a practice known as “hot potting.” His sister recorded his fatal plunge on her cellphone. Authorities determined he had succumbed to severe burns and lack of movement. Due to lightning storms and darkness, they were unable to recover his body immediately. When they returned the next day, the body had dissolved in the scalding waters, leaving behind only his wallet and melted flip-flops.

Skiier Falls into Acidic Thermal Pool
Date: February 10, 1988
Details: An employee at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge, was skiing with friends when he fell into a thermal pool in the Shoshone Geyser Basin, suffering severe second-degree burns on 60-70% of his body. His friends provided basic first aid before heading to seek help. Park rangers were alerted around 4 a.m., but heavy snow, high winds, and poor visibility hampered the rescue efforts, preventing aircraft use. The man stopped breathing around 10:30 a.m., and despite CPR attempts by his companions and rangers, he was declared deceased at 1 p.m. A recovery effort by helicopter was planned for the following morning

Man Died While Looking For ‘Hidden Treasure’
Date: February 28, 2018
Details: A 53-year-old man from Illinois, died in Yellowstone National Park while searching for a hidden treasure allegedly hidden by antiquities dealer Forrest Fenn. According to KULR-TV, the man was reported missing by his wife, who revealed his quest for the treasure. His body was discovered on June 9, 2017, after falling about 500 feet down a steep slope. The death was ruled an accident. This case is part of a larger trend of treasure hunters scouring remote areas of the Western U.S. in vain for Fenn’s purportedly buried riches.

Lab Confirms Identity Of Remains Of Long-Missing Woman
Date: June 4, 2008
Details: DNA tests have confirmed that remains found in Yellowstone River last fall belong to a 19-year-old woman of Belgrade, Montana, who had been missing for nearly three years. The woman, a concessions employee at Roosevelt Lodge, disappeared after leaving her housing area on June 29, 2005. Her green Ford Explorer was later discovered submerged in the river. Investigators believe her vehicle went off the road, struck an embankment, and fell into the river before being swept downstream. Despite an extensive search, she was not found until a human skull was discovered in September, leading to the identification through DNA testing.

Bizarre Hypothermia Death
Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Details: The body of a Montana man was discovered this past weekend along a park ski trail. Snowshoers called 911 around noon on Saturday after spotting what they thought was a frozen human body in the snow along a groomed ski trail in the northern part of the park. Rangers responded to the Frog Rock Trailhead, which is south of the Grand Loop Road, eight-and-a-half miles east of Mammoth Hot Springs. They discovered the body of 52-year-old man from Belgrade, Montana, not far from the ski trail along the Blacktail Plateau Drive. While initial indications are that the man succumbed to hypothermia, the incident remains under investigation.

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Methodology

The data presented in this report was obtained from the National Park Service (NPS) and NPS History Incident Report and covers the period from 2007 to 2023. This information reflects recorded fatalities that occurred within the boundaries of Yellowstone National Park.

It’s important to note that the data excludes several categories of incidents:

• Incidents that began and ended outside park boundaries: This includes situations where NPS law enforcement assisted local law enforcement agencies in nearby communities.
• On-duty NPS employees, volunteers, contractors, and concessioners: Fatalities among those working within the park in an official capacity are not included.
• On-duty employees, volunteers, and contractors of other agencies or entities: Similar to NPS staff, fatalities among those working on behalf of other organizations within the park are also excluded.

This methodology ensures that the data focuses solely on incidents involving visitors, providing a clear picture of the dangers faced by those who come to Yellowstone to experience its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.