Death in the Parks

Man Falls 250 Feet to His Death from a South Rim Overlook at Grand Canyon National Park

On October 6, 47-year old Michael Wilson from Scottsdale, Arizona, fell 250 feet to his death from an overlook on Desert View Drive in Grand Canyon National Park.

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By Bob Janiskee - October 8th, 2008 5:33am

At New River Gorge National River, an Iconic Bridge Attracts Suicide Jumpers

In the predawn darkness of September 9, a 25-year old Ohio man leaped to his death from the New River Gorge Bridge at New River Gorge National River. In his car, investigators found a Mapquest map with directions from his home to the bridge. Like many before him, this victim had carefully planned to end his life at an architectural icon far from his home.

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By Bob Janiskee - September 15th, 2008 3:32pm

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Lightning Strike Kills Park Visitor at a Sandy Hook Beach in Gateway National Recreation Area

A deadly lightning strike killed one visitor and injured two others Sunday afternoon on a Sandy Hook beach in Gateway National Recreation Area. The lightning hazard is worse than most people think, but putting lightning safety precautions into practice dramatically lowers the risk of injury and death.

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By Bob Janiskee - July 30th, 2008 5:27pm

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Did Gusty Winds Cause a Fatal Climbing Accident at Grand Teton National Park?

Why did a man who had nearly three decades of experience teaching others to climb fall to his death in Grand Teton National Park? The only thing investigators can be sure of is that free solo climbing like George Gardner was doing leaves no appreciable margin for error or misfortune. This unattended death might have been caused by a gale force gust of wind.

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By Bob Janiskee - July 30th, 2008 8:45pm

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Climber’s Body May Remain Buried on Mount McKinley Summit in Denali National Park and Preserve

When a climber died on the Mount McKinley summit on July 4th, his companions buried his body in one of the least accessible places on the North American continent. It will probably stay there until at least next year, and might be left there for good.

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By Bob Janiskee - July 30th, 2008 8:57pm

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Tragedy Stalks the National Parks

It's been a rough few days in the national parks. A three-day search in Mount Rainier has led to the discovery of the body of a missing hiker, while in Yosemite another hiker has died while trying to negotiate Half Dome.

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By Kurt Repanshek - October 22nd, 2011 11:09am

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INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks