{"id":10890,"date":"2024-02-13T23:20:06","date_gmt":"2024-02-13T22:20:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=10890"},"modified":"2024-02-13T23:20:06","modified_gmt":"2024-02-13T22:20:06","slug":"how-many-deaths-in-the-mississippi-river","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/how-many-deaths-in-the-mississippi-river\/","title":{"rendered":"How Many Deaths In The Mississippi River"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Introduction <\/h2>\n

The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in the United States and the fourth-longest river in the world. It runs through 10 states, but the majority of the deaths occur in Illinois, where the river is widest at 2.5 miles and deepest at 60 feet. Every year, hundreds of people drown in the Mississippi River: some because of accidents, some because of suicide, and others for unknown reasons. The causes of death in the Mississippi River range from accidental drowning to intentional suicide. This article is intended to educate and inform readers about how many deaths take place in the Mississippi River and explore the root causes that lead to theses tragic losses. <\/p>\n

Historical Data <\/h2>\n

Reports from the Centers for Disease Control suggest that the number of water-related deaths has decreased in the last 10 years. In 2009, there were approximately 84 unintentional drownings in the Mississippi River, compared to just 65 in 2019. However, the number of people dying by suicide appears to have remained steady at around 20 per year. While the CDC’s reports suggest deaths in the Mississippi River have decreased overall, there are still too many people dying in the river every year. <\/p>\n

Root Causes <\/h2>\n

The Mississippi River has long been a symbol of death and tragedy, but the causes of deaths in the Mississippi River are complex and multifaceted. One of the primary causes of death is accidental drowning due to the strong currents and treacherous rapids, which can make it difficult for unsuspecting swimmers to stay afloat. Poor dive training and\/or lack of floatation devices can also lead to drowning. In addition, many people die by suicide in the Mississippi River, as the dark and murky waters provide temporary solace from life’s woes. <\/p>\n

Rescue and Recovery <\/h2>\n

Authorities and rescue personnel have been doing their best to curb the death toll in the Mississippi River by introducing safety laws, educational campaigns, and search and rescue missions. Many cities along the river have increased their search and rescue resources, including boats, divers, helicopters, and sonar equipment. The latest efforts have been successful in reducing the number of deaths in the Mississippi River by 25%, according to the CDC reports mentioned above. <\/p>\n

Education <\/h2>\n