Suicide in the Grand Canyon National Park

A significant gender disparity exists among suicides in the Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP), with 83% of cases involving men, slightly higher than the national average. This study provides the first estimate of suicide rates in the GCNP by analyzing 47 known suicides through 2004 using a mixed-methods approach that combines qualitative data with quantitative analysis. The research examines demographic variables, social strains, psychiatric morbidity, and suicide methods to shed light on why individuals seek out national parks for such acts. Anecdotal evidence suggests many view the park as a meaningful or special place, contributing to its prominence in suicide-related incidents among U.S. national parks.

Stack, S., & Bowman, B. (2017). Suicide in the Grand Canyon National Park. Suicide as a Dramatic Performance, 129–150. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315130477-13