Lake Mead, a reservoir formed by the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River, is one of the largest and most popular recreational destinations in the United States. However, beneath its stunning beauty and recreational allure lies a troubling reality: Lake Mead has one of the highest death tolls among U.S. national parks and recreational areas. This resource page aims to analyze data from the National Park Service (NPS) and explore the reasons behind the alarmingly high number of fatalities in Lake Mead.
How Many People Die in Lake Mead?
According to data from the National Park Service (NPS), Lake Mead consistently ranks among the top national parks for fatalities. Since its creation, Lake Mead has seen hundreds of deaths, with the numbers showing a disturbing trend over recent years. From 2007 to 2024, there have been 317 reported deaths in Lake Mead, highlighting the serious risks associated with this popular recreational area.
| Cause of Death | Deaths |
|---|---|
| Drowning | 110 |
| Motor Vehicle Crash | 66 |
| Undetermined | 36 |
| Suicide | 27 |
| Medical – Not during physical activity | 21 |
| Medical – during physical activity | 14 |
| Fall | 8 |
| Vessel Incident | 8 |
| Hyperthermia | 6 |
| Aircraft Incident | 5 |
| Medical – Unknown | 4 |
| Homicide | 3 |
| Poisoning – drugs | 3 |
| Fire/Burn | 2 |
| Asphyxiation | 1 |
| Poisoning – Carbon monoxide | 1 |
| Rockfall | 1 |
| Water diving incident | 1 |
| Total Deaths | 317 |
Deaths By Sex
The data on fatalities at Lake Mead from 2007 to 2024 shows a disparity between the sexes:
The overwhelming majority of deaths at Lake Mead have been male, accounting for 239 fatalities. In comparison, only 40 fatalities were female.
Deaths By Age Range
Understanding the age demographics of those who have died at Lake Mead provides critical insights into who is most vulnerable.
The highest number of fatalities at Lake Mead occurred in the 45-54 age range, with 52 deaths (21.67% of the total), possibly due to declining physical fitness and health issues. In contrast, the lowest number of deaths was among children aged 0-14, with 7 fatalities, highlighting the importance of supervision for young visitors.
How Do People Die in Lake Mead?
Lake Mead is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, attracting millions of visitors each year who come to enjoy its stunning scenery, boating, swimming, fishing, and other recreational activities. The lake’s vast expanse and diverse opportunities for adventure make it a top spot for thrill-seekers and families alike. However, while the beauty and allure of Lake Mead draw in visitors, the inherent risks of these activities can sometimes turn a day of fun into a fatal tragedy.
- Swimming is the leading cause of fatalities at Lake Mead, with 79 fatalities accounting for 37.8% of all recreational activity deaths.
- Driving incidents are the second most common, responsible for 75 fatalities, making up 35.89% of the total.
- Vessel-related accidents contribute to 27 fatalities or 12.92% of the total.
- Camping, Flying, and Hiking each account for 5 fatalities (or 2.39% each), highlighting their relatively smaller but notable risks.
Swimming-Related Deaths at Lake Mead – 79 Deaths
Swimming is the leading cause of death at Lake Mead, accounting for over 37% of all fatalities. This statistic highlights the significant risks associated with water activities in the lake’s vast and unpredictable waters. Below is a detailed analysis of swimming-related fatalities and their contributing factors:
- Drowning (72 deaths): The leading cause of death among swimmers at Lake Mead is drowning. This high number highlights the critical risks associated with swimming in the lake, including strong currents, sudden depth changes, and potential overestimation of swimming abilities.
- Medical Emergencies During Physical Activity (4 deaths): Some fatalities while swimming resulted from medical emergencies, such as heart attacks or other health issues that occurred during the activity.
- Undetermined Causes (2 deaths): A couple of deaths while swimming remain undetermined, indicating that the exact reasons for these fatalities are unclear.
- Vessel Incident (1 death): One fatality occurred due to an incident involving a vessel while swimming.
Notable Deaths
Swimming Fatalities at Lake Mead
Date: July 10, 2024
Details: On June 24, two individuals who were boating with friends at Lake Mead went for a swim and did not return. After an extensive search, their bodies were recovered on June 28 in the Callville Bay area by a team from the NPS and Las Vegas Metropolitan Search and Rescue.
Body of Teenager Recovered from Lake Mohave
Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Details: On July 1st, the body of a 17-year-old boy from North Las Vegas was recovered from Lake Mohave. The teen had been swimming across Morning Star Cove with friends after cliff jumping in the Placer Cove area. He experienced difficulties and went underwater. Despite attempts by friends to help him, he did not resurface. Rangers initiated an immediate search, using sonar to locate the body late on June 30th. Due to low visibility at night, the search was resumed in daylight. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Search and Rescue divers found the body on the morning of July 1st. The victim was not wearing a life jacket.
23-Year-Old Drowns in Lake Mohave
Date: Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Details: A 23-year-old man was found drowned in Lake Mohave near Morning Star Cove. Witnesses reported he began to struggle while swimming across the cove and went underwater. Despite immediate efforts by bystanders and park rangers, the man, who was not wearing a lifejacket, could not be rescued in time. The body was recovered 40 feet from shore at a depth of 39 feet. No alcohol is suspected to have been involved. The victim, an El Salvadorian national living in Las Vegas, was identified after notification of next of kin.
Three Drownings at Lake Mead
Date: Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Details: On July 29, a 42-year-old individual went missing at Crawdad Cove, and their body was recovered the following day. The cause of death was confirmed as drowning. Over the weekend of August 5-6, two more individuals drowned due to hazardous conditions caused by monsoon winds. These incidents marked the 18th and 19th fatalities in the park this year, with many of the deaths attributed to drowning.
Driving-Related Deaths at Lake Mead – 75 Deaths
Driving is a significant contributor to fatalities at Lake Mead, reflecting the dangers of navigating the park’s roads and terrain. Here’s a breakdown of the driving-related deaths and their causes:
- Motor Vehicle Crashes (66 deaths): The vast majority of driving-related fatalities at Lake Mead are due to motor vehicle crashes. These incidents underscore the risks associated with driving in the area, where challenging road conditions, limited visibility, and the potential for driver error can lead to deadly outcomes.
- Drowning (2 deaths): There have been instances where driving-related activities resulted in drowning, possibly due to vehicles entering the water.
- Hyperthermia (2 deaths): The extreme heat at Lake Mead has led to fatalities from hyperthermia, particularly for individuals stranded or facing vehicle breakdowns.
- Medical Emergencies (3 deaths): Some driving-related deaths at Lake Mead were caused by medical emergencies, both during and not during physical activity. This includes health issues like heart attacks that occurred while driving.
- Undetermined Causes (1 death): One death associated with driving remains undetermined.
- Vessel Incident (1 death): A single fatality involved a vessel incident linked to driving.
If you were injured in a car accident at Lake Mead, it’s essential to seek legal assistance. Navigating the aftermath of a serious accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance claims, medical bills, and potential legal actions. Don’t hesitate to contact a car accident attorney in Las Vegas to discuss your case and explore your options.
Notable Deaths
Las Vegas Woman Dies in Rollover Accident
Date: Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Details: A 28-year-old Las Vegas woman lost her life in a rollover motor vehicle accident on Lakeshore Road late on Saturday, July 12th. Emergency crews from multiple agencies, including the National Park Service and Nevada Highway Patrol, responded to the scene. The woman was airlifted to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to her injuries. A male passenger was also injured and taken to the hospital by ambulance. The accident resulted in a nearly five-hour road closure.
Teenage Girl Killed in Motor Vehicle Accident
Date: Monday, February 11, 2008
Details: A 16-year-old from Bullhead City, Arizona, tragically died in a single-vehicle accident on the Katherine Spur road early on the morning of Friday, February 8th. The overturned vehicle was discovered around 5 a.m. by a security guard from the Lake Mohave Resort and a Waste Management worker, who immediately called 911. Emergency responders from Bullhead City and the National Park Service arrived, but K.R. was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident is currently under investigation.
Rollover Accident with Fatality and Seven Injuries
Date: Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Details: A van carrying eight juveniles rolled over near mile marker 9 on the Cottonwood access road after midnight on March 14th. A 14-year-old girl died on impact. The accident was discovered by a visitor around 5 a.m., who reported it as a rollover with two victims. Emergency responders found four people at the scene, including one deceased, one critically injured, and two others with less severe injuries. Another critically injured juvenile was found nearby and airlifted to a hospital. Three others, who had walked five miles to Cottonwood swim beach without reporting the accident, were later found. The investigation revealed that the juveniles had taken the van without permission and were returning from Searchlight after a late-night trip. Alcohol is suspected to have been a contributing factor.
Multiple Incidents and Fatalities Over Father’s Day Weekend
Date: July 5, 2023
Details: Over the Father’s Day weekend, June 17-18, Lake Mead National Recreation Area saw six fatalities: three in a multi-vehicle accident, two from drowning, and one apparent suicide. Additionally, park authorities rescued 23 individuals and responded to various criminal incidents, including assault, theft, and drug use.
Vessel-Related Deaths at Lake Mead – 27 Deaths
Vessel-related incidents contribute significantly to fatalities at Lake Mead, reflecting the dangers associated with boating and other watercraft activities in the lake’s challenging environment. Here’s a detailed breakdown of vessel-related deaths:
- Drowning (18 deaths): Drowning is the leading cause of death in vessel-related incidents. This high number underscores the risks of falling overboard or getting caught in dangerous situations while on the water.
- Falls (1 death): A single fatality resulted from a fall related to a vessel.
- Medical Emergencies During Physical Activity (3 deaths): Three deaths occurred due to medical emergencies during activities on vessels.
- Medical Emergencies Not During Physical Activity (1 death): One fatality was due to a medical emergency unrelated to physical activity.
- Vessel Incidents (4 deaths): Four deaths were attributed to incidents involving vessels, such as collisions or capsizing. These incidents highlight the risks associated with navigating and operating watercraft on Lake Mead.
Notable Deaths
49-Year-Old Man Drowns in Newberry Cove
Date: Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Details: A 49-year-old man from California, drowned in Newberry Cove while wading in the lake with his wife and friends. After the group beached their boat, the man went into the water but was soon found submerged in six to ten feet of water. Despite efforts by his friends to pull him ashore and perform CPR, and subsequent advanced life-saving measures by rangers and medics, he could not be revived. The man was not wearing a lifejacket at the time of the incident.
Drowning Incident at South Cove
Date: Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Details: On June 18, a 15-foot tri-hull vessel at South Cove began sinking due to high winds with gusts up to 40 mph. Of the three people aboard, two managed to reach shore, but the third individual drowned. NPS staff, in collaboration with the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office, used side-scan sonar to locate and recover the victim’s body.
Jet Ski Incident Results in Fatality
Date: July 13, 2022
Details: On June 30, two individuals were jet skiing near the Boulder Islands when they fell off their watercraft. One person was rescued, but a 22-year-old individual went missing after entering the water. Neither person was wearing a personal flotation device. On July 6, the body of the missing individual was recovered in the same area using a remotely operated vehicle. The body was later identified as the 22-year-old missing person.
Other Recreational Deaths at Lake Mead
Lake Mead attracts a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts, but the diverse recreational activities available also come with their own risks. While water-related activities account for a significant portion of fatalities at Lake Mead, other recreational pursuits also contribute to the total number of deaths. Here’s an overview of fatalities related to various non-water activities:
- Diving (All Types) (8 deaths): Diving activities, including free diving, scuba diving, and land diving, have resulted in multiple fatalities.
- Camping (5 deaths): Camping fatalities can result from a range of factors, including environmental hazards, accidents, and health issues.
- Flying (5 deaths): Fatalities involving aircraft, such as small planes or helicopters, have occurred, reflecting the dangers associated with aviation in the area.
- Hiking (5 deaths): Hiking in the rugged terrain around Lake Mead can be perilous. The five hiking-related deaths emphasize the need for proper planning, adequate supplies, and awareness of the terrain.
- Fishing (1 death): A single fatality has been reported in fishing-related activities, demonstrating that even seemingly tranquil pastimes can carry risks.
- Photographing (1 death): The death of a person engaged in photography illustrates how accidents can occur during outdoor activities not typically associated with high risks.
- Snorkeling (1 death): Snorkeling, though generally safer than diving, has resulted in a fatality.
- Climbing (1 death): Climbing-related fatalities, although rare, occur.
- Bicycling (1 death): A single fatality has been reported in bicycling.
Notable Deaths
Fisherman Drowns Near Temple Bar
Date: Sunday, September 2, 2012
Details: A 49-year-old man drowned while attempting to retrieve his fishing lure from Lake Mead at Temple Bar. After his lure became snagged on vegetation, the man entered the water to free it but was heard calling for help before going silent. Rangers found and recovered his body from about six feet of water.
Body Of Cliff Diver Recovered From Lake Mohave
Date: Saturday, August 21, 2010
Details: An 18-year-old man was recovered from Lake Mohave near Placer Cove after a cliff diving incident. The victim, who jumped from a height of about 30 feet, did not resurface. A friend who followed him into the water accidentally struck him, and attempts by other friends to rescue him were unsuccessful. The body was recovered by divers from about 50 feet of water later that evening. The cause of death is under investigation.
Hiker Dies In 75-Foot Fall
Date: Sunday, November 16, 2008
Details: A 35-year-old man from Las Vegas died after falling approximately 75 feet while hiking on Fortification Hill. The incident occurred on the Arizona side of Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The park was alerted to the accident via a 911 call from a member of the hiking group just before 11 a.m. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Five Killed In Tour Helicopter Crash
Date: Thursday, December 8, 2011
Details: A tour helicopter operated by Sundance Helicopters crashed on the western side of the River Mountains within Lake Mead National Recreation Area just before 5 p.m. on December 7. All five people on board were killed. The helicopter, en route from McCarran International Airport to Hoover Dam, crashed along a common tour route. Emergency responders from the National Park Service, Las Vegas Metro Police, Clark County Fire, and Henderson Fire attended the scene. The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the incident.
When Do People Die in Lake Mead?
Understanding the seasonal patterns of fatalities at Lake Mead provides insight into the risks associated with different times of the year. This analysis looks at the data on deaths in Lake Mead by season, month, and year from 2007 to 2023.
- Summer (148 deaths): Summer is by far the most dangerous season at Lake Mead. The fatality rate peaks in July at 7.65 fatalities per 100,000 visitors with a significantly higher rate compared to other months. July also sees the highest number of total fatalities at 60 deaths. The combination of high visitor numbers and increased outdoor activities, along with peak temperatures, contributes to this elevated fatality rate.
- Spring (68 deaths): Spring also sees a significant number of fatalities, with the rate relatively consistent across the months. April (15 deaths) and May (24 deaths), in particular, contribute to this higher fatality rate. The transitional weather and increasing number of visitors as the season progresses contribute to these numbers.
- Autumn (43 deaths): Autumn experiences a drop in fatalities as temperatures cool and visitor numbers decline. September remains a high-risk month with 5.90 fatalities per 100,000 visitors due to lingering summer conditions, but the fatality rate significantly drops in October (1.45 fatalities per 100,000 visitors) and November (2.61 fatalities per 100,000 visitors).
- Winter (58 deaths): Winter is the safest season in terms of fatalities, with a noticeable decrease in both fatality numbers and rates compared to the summer months. The lower visitor numbers and reduced outdoor activities contribute to the decreased risk.
How Many People Die in Lake Mead Every Year?
This section provides an overview of annual deaths from 2007 to 2023, offering insights into the frequency and patterns of such incidents. The graph below visually represents the annual fatalities in relation to the number of visitors, helping to contextualize the data and highlight trends over time.
Analyzing the data from 2007 to 2023 reveals an average of approximately 18.4 deaths per year at Lake Mead. This number varies annually, with fatalities ranging from a low of 4 deaths in 2024 to a high of 25 in 2017. The fatality rate, calculated per 100,000 visitors, provides additional insight into the risks associated with visiting Lake Mead.
For instance, in 2022, despite a drop in visitor numbers to 5.58 million, the fatality rate spiked to 4.30 per 100,000 visitors, one of the highest recorded during this period. Conversely, in years like 2007, with nearly 7.62 million visitors, the fatality rate was significantly lower at 1.18 per 100,000 visitors. These fluctuations emphasize the unpredictable nature of incidents at Lake Mead and the potential hazards that visitors may encounter, regardless of overall visitor numbers.
Methodology
The data presented in this report was obtained from the National Park Service (NPS) and NPS Incident Reports and covers the period from 2007 to 2024. This information reflects recorded fatalities that occurred within the boundaries of Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
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 areas.
- 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: Fatalities involving individuals 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 and accurate understanding of the risks associated with recreational activities at Lake Mead.