Deaths Are Up As Young Adults Take Selfies A Step Too Far

By Holliday Moore
Published: Monday, October 8, 2018 - 11:04am

A new study published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care shows more than 250 people died from taking selfies between 2011 and 2017.

Grand Canyon National Park has lost a few of those photographers in that span.

While the national park can't stop visitors from capturing a shot next to one of the world's Seven Natural Wonders, visitors are being warned it is a mile to the bottom in most areas.

"Realize that, when you put up your camera and you turn around, put your back to that edge to get that beautiful view with the Grand Canyon, just pay attention to how close you are to the edge," warned park spokesperson Kari Cobb. "Pay attention to what rocks are around you." 

The study found selfie-related deaths exploded in the last two years. On average, the age of those who died was 23 years old, and three times as many men than women died while taking selfies around the world.

The most dangerous location for selfies is India, where double the number of selfie deaths has forced governments to establish "No selfie" zones.

Science