US national park sees 5th death this year after 65-year-old falls from cliff

1 Apr 2026 • 1:45 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • A 65-year-old woman died after falling 60 feet from a cliff-edge on the Alum Cave Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on March 28.
  • Park rangers responded to the incident but were unable to resuscitate the hiker.
  • This marks the fifth death in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park this year.
  • The park is known for its high number of fatalities, ranking fourth among the most dangerous national parks in the U.S. between 2013 and 2023.
  • The incident occurred a day after two other park visitors were seriously injured in a rockslide that struck their vehicle.

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