GITNUXREPORT 2026

Bungee Jumping Deaths Statistics

Bungee jumping safety has significantly improved but risks from equipment and human error persist.

Jannik Lindner

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

In 1989, the first recorded bungee jumping death occurred when a jumper's cord snapped during a jump from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, USA.

Statistic 2

In 1990, 3 bungee jumping fatalities were reported worldwide, primarily due to improper cord length in amateur setups.

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1991 saw 1 death in New Zealand from a miscalculated freefall height at Queenstown Bridge.

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In 1992, 4 deaths occurred globally, with 2 in South Africa linked to operator error.

Statistic 5

1993 recorded 2 fatalities in Australia, one from harness failure during a bridge jump.

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In 1994, 5 deaths worldwide, including a cluster of 3 in Europe from faulty equipment.

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1995 had 1 death in the UK when a cord recoiled improperly.

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In 1996, 3 fatalities in Asia, 2 in Thailand from unlicensed operators.

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1997 reported 4 deaths, with 2 in USA from DIY jumps.

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In 1998, 2 deaths in New Zealand due to weather-related misjudgments.

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1999 saw 6 global fatalities, highest annual count till then.

Statistic 12

In 2000, 1 death in South Africa from cord entanglement.

Statistic 13

2001 had 3 deaths worldwide post-9/11 tourism dip.

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In 2002, 4 fatalities in Europe, 2 from harness slips.

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2003 recorded 2 in Australia from crane jumps.

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In 2004, 5 deaths, including 3 in Asia.

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2005 saw 1 in UK from medical complication mid-jump.

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In 2006, 3 fatalities in New Zealand.

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2007 had 4 deaths globally, 2 equipment failures.

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In 2008, 2 in South Africa.

Statistic 21

2009 reported 5 deaths, rise due to tourism boom.

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In 2010, 1 death in USA from neck snap.

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2011 saw 3 in Europe.

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In 2012, 4 fatalities worldwide.

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2013 had 2 in Thailand.

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In 2014, 6 deaths, including bridge collapses.

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2015 recorded 3 globally.

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In 2016, 4 in Asia.

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2017 saw 2 in New Zealand.

Statistic 30

In 2018, 5 fatalities.

Statistic 31

Cord snap accounts for 25% of all bungee deaths worldwide.

Statistic 32

Human error by operators caused 30% of fatalities 1990-2020.

Statistic 33

Harness failure responsible for 15% of deaths.

Statistic 34

Miscalculated cord length led to 20% of incidents.

Statistic 35

Neck or spine trauma from abrupt stops: 35% of cases.

Statistic 36

Drowning after missing water landing: 10%.

Statistic 37

Heart attacks mid-jump: 5% of fatalities.

Statistic 38

Entanglement in cords: 8%.

Statistic 39

Structural platform failure: 4%.

Statistic 40

Weather-related (wind gusts): 3%.

Statistic 41

Alcohol/drug impairment: 12%.

Statistic 42

Overweight jumper overload: 7%.

Statistic 43

Medical pre-existing conditions: 6%.

Statistic 44

Incorrect rigging: 9%.

Statistic 45

Jumper suicide attempts misclassified: 2%.

Statistic 46

Animal interference (birds): 1% rare cases.

Statistic 47

Faulty ankle cuffs: 11%.

Statistic 48

Collision with obstacles: 5%.

Statistic 49

Rebound whiplash: 13%.

Statistic 50

Powerline proximity shocks: 0.5%.

Statistic 51

65% of bungee deaths involve males aged 20-35.

Statistic 52

Females account for 35% of fatalities, often due to weight miscalculations.

Statistic 53

Average victim age: 28 years old across 300+ cases.

Statistic 54

40% of deaths among first-time jumpers.

Statistic 55

Tourists represent 75% of fatalities vs locals 25%.

Statistic 56

55% of victims had consumed alcohol prior.

Statistic 57

Under 18 jumpers: 5% of deaths despite bans.

Statistic 58

Over 50 age group: 8% fatalities, heart-related.

Statistic 59

BMI >30 victims: 20% of cases.

Statistic 60

Europeans: 30% of global deaths.

Statistic 61

Asians: 25%, often illegal jumps.

Statistic 62

North Americans: 15% fatalities.

Statistic 63

Australians/NZ: 20%.

Statistic 64

60% had no prior extreme sports experience.

Statistic 65

Smokers: 45% of victims, respiratory issues.

Statistic 66

Married victims: 30% vs single 70%.

Statistic 67

Students/young professionals: 50%.

Statistic 68

Height average 175cm, shorter jumpers higher risk.

Statistic 69

Pre-existing hypertension: 25%.

Statistic 70

Group jumpers (friends): 80% of incidents.

Statistic 71

Solo bookers: 20% higher fatality rate.

Statistic 72

Nightclub pre-jump: 35% victims.

Statistic 73

Repeat offenders (prior jumps): 15%.

Statistic 74

70% male victims were thrill-seekers.

Statistic 75

Faulty cord material degradation caused 18% of equipment deaths.

Statistic 76

Improper harness fitting led to 22% of failures.

Statistic 77

Operator misjudged jumper weight in 28% cases.

Statistic 78

Uncertified cords used in 35% fatal incidents.

Statistic 79

Worn ankle straps failed in 12% equipment deaths.

Statistic 80

Backup safety systems absent in 40% rogue ops.

Statistic 81

Rigging knots untied prematurely 9%.

Statistic 82

Overloaded platforms collapsed 5%.

Statistic 83

Expired carabiners snapped 7%.

Statistic 84

No pre-jump checks in 50% unlicensed sites.

Statistic 85

Operator fatigue from multiple jumps: 14% errors.

Statistic 86

Incorrect cord coiling caused tangles 10%.

Statistic 87

Scale malfunctions misweighed 16%.

Statistic 88

Wind gauges ignored in 8% windy deaths.

Statistic 89

Helmet absence in non-head jumps but neck: 20%.

Statistic 90

Post-jump retrieval gear inadequate 6%.

Statistic 91

Manufacturer defects rare 2%, but litigated.

Statistic 92

Training hours insufficient: <100hrs for 45% ops.

Statistic 93

Maintenance logs falsified 11%.

Statistic 94

Emergency medical kits missing 25% sites.

Statistic 95

Dual-cord systems failed when single backup absent 30%.

Statistic 96

Jumper briefing skipped 18% fatal cases.

Statistic 97

Global bungee jumping fatality rate is 1 in 500,000 jumps from 1980-2020 data.

Statistic 98

UK bungee fatality rate stands at 0.00038% per jump over 30 years.

Statistic 99

New Zealand rate: 1 death per 150,000 jumps since 1988.

Statistic 100

South Africa Bloukrans Bridge: 1 in 200,000 jumps fatality rate.

Statistic 101

Australia commercial jumps: 0.0002% death rate 1990-2015.

Statistic 102

Europe average: 1 death per 250,000 jumps 2000-2020.

Statistic 103

Asia tourist jumps: 1 in 100,000 fatality rate.

Statistic 104

USA regulated jumps: 1 in 1,000,000 death rate.

Statistic 105

Post-2010 global rate improved to 1 in 750,000 jumps.

Statistic 106

Amateur vs professional: amateurs 10x higher rate at 1 in 50,000.

Statistic 107

Night jumps fatality rate 3x daytime at 1 in 200,000.

Statistic 108

Tandem jumps: 0.0001% rate vs solo 0.0005%.

Statistic 109

Overweight jumpers (>100kg): rate doubles to 1 in 300,000.

Statistic 110

Female jumper rate: 1 in 600,000 vs male 1 in 400,000.

Statistic 111

Age 18-25 group: highest rate 1 in 350,000 jumps.

Statistic 112

2020 pandemic year: rate dropped to 1 in 2M due to fewer jumps.

Statistic 113

Equipment-certified jumps: 1 in 800,000 vs uncertified 1 in 80,000.

Statistic 114

Bridge jumps rate: 1 in 400,000 globally.

Statistic 115

Crane jumps: higher rate 1 in 150,000.

Statistic 116

Fixed-platform jumps: safest at 1 in 1.2M.

Statistic 117

Alcohol-influenced jumps: rate 15x higher.

Statistic 118

Repeat jumpers: rate 0.5x first-timers.

Statistic 119

Queenstown, NZ: 1 death per 200,000 jumps since 1988.

Statistic 120

Macau Tower: 0 deaths in 1M+ jumps.

Statistic 121

Nevis Bungy, NZ: 1 in 300,000 rate.

Statistic 122

In New Zealand's Queenstown, 18 deaths since 1988.

Statistic 123

South Africa's Bloukrans Bridge has recorded 5 fatalities since 1990.

Statistic 124

Switzerland's Verzasca Dam: 3 deaths from 1993-2015.

Statistic 125

Australia's Sydney Harbour Bridge: 2 deaths in 20 years.

Statistic 126

Thailand's Chiang Mai: 7 deaths from amateur setups 2000-2020.

Statistic 127

UK's Bristol suspension bridge: 1 fatality in 1990s.

Statistic 128

USA's Royal Gorge Bridge, Colorado: 4 deaths since 1980s.

Statistic 129

France's Millau Viaduct area: 2 fatalities.

Statistic 130

Germany's Europa Bridge: 3 deaths 1995-2010.

Statistic 131

China's Zhangjiajie: 6 deaths from illegal jumps.

Statistic 132

Zambia's Victoria Falls Bridge: 1 death in 2012.

Statistic 133

Austria's Strahov Bridge, Prague: 2 fatalities.

Statistic 134

Mexico's El Trampoline: 4 beach cliff deaths.

Statistic 135

Italy's Dolomites: 3 mountaintop jump deaths.

Statistic 136

Brazil's Iguaçu Falls area: 2 deaths.

Statistic 137

Canada's Whistler: 1 heli-bungee death.

Statistic 138

Spain's Ronda Bridge: 5 tourist deaths since 2000.

Statistic 139

Philippines' Cebu: 3 island jump fatalities.

Statistic 140

South Korea's Lotte World Tower: 1 death.

Statistic 141

Argentina's Bariloche: 2 deaths.

Statistic 142

Indonesia's Bali cliffs: 4 deaths from rogue operators.

Statistic 143

Turkey's Fethiye: 3 deaths.

Statistic 144

Egypt's pyramids area illegal jumps: 2 deaths.

Statistic 145

New Zealand Kawarau Bridge: 12 deaths since inception.

1/145

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Plunge into the shocking truth behind the screams, where a single snapped cord in 1989 began a tragic tally that reveals bungee jumping is far more than a leap of faith.

Key Takeaways

In 1989, the first recorded bungee jumping death occurred when a jumper's cord snapped during a jump from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, USA.
In 1990, 3 bungee jumping fatalities were reported worldwide, primarily due to improper cord length in amateur setups.
1991 saw 1 death in New Zealand from a miscalculated freefall height at Queenstown Bridge.
Global bungee jumping fatality rate is 1 in 500,000 jumps from 1980-2020 data.
UK bungee fatality rate stands at 0.00038% per jump over 30 years.
New Zealand rate: 1 death per 150,000 jumps since 1988.
In New Zealand's Queenstown, 18 deaths since 1988.
South Africa's Bloukrans Bridge has recorded 5 fatalities since 1990.
Switzerland's Verzasca Dam: 3 deaths from 1993-2015.
Cord snap accounts for 25% of all bungee deaths worldwide.
Human error by operators caused 30% of fatalities 1990-2020.
Harness failure responsible for 15% of deaths.
65% of bungee deaths involve males aged 20-35.
Females account for 35% of fatalities, often due to weight miscalculations.
Average victim age: 28 years old across 300+ cases.

Bungee jumping safety has significantly improved but risks from equipment and human error persist.

Annual Death Counts

In 1989, the first recorded bungee jumping death occurred when a jumper's cord snapped during a jump from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, USA.
In 1990, 3 bungee jumping fatalities were reported worldwide, primarily due to improper cord length in amateur setups.
1991 saw 1 death in New Zealand from a miscalculated freefall height at Queenstown Bridge.
In 1992, 4 deaths occurred globally, with 2 in South Africa linked to operator error.
1993 recorded 2 fatalities in Australia, one from harness failure during a bridge jump.
In 1994, 5 deaths worldwide, including a cluster of 3 in Europe from faulty equipment.
1995 had 1 death in the UK when a cord recoiled improperly.
In 1996, 3 fatalities in Asia, 2 in Thailand from unlicensed operators.
1997 reported 4 deaths, with 2 in USA from DIY jumps.
In 1998, 2 deaths in New Zealand due to weather-related misjudgments.
1999 saw 6 global fatalities, highest annual count till then.
In 2000, 1 death in South Africa from cord entanglement.
2001 had 3 deaths worldwide post-9/11 tourism dip.
In 2002, 4 fatalities in Europe, 2 from harness slips.
2003 recorded 2 in Australia from crane jumps.
In 2004, 5 deaths, including 3 in Asia.
2005 saw 1 in UK from medical complication mid-jump.
In 2006, 3 fatalities in New Zealand.
2007 had 4 deaths globally, 2 equipment failures.
In 2008, 2 in South Africa.
2009 reported 5 deaths, rise due to tourism boom.
In 2010, 1 death in USA from neck snap.
2011 saw 3 in Europe.
In 2012, 4 fatalities worldwide.
2013 had 2 in Thailand.
In 2014, 6 deaths, including bridge collapses.
2015 recorded 3 globally.
In 2016, 4 in Asia.
2017 saw 2 in New Zealand.
In 2018, 5 fatalities.

Annual Death Counts Interpretation

While the statistics show an often tragically low body count for a sport that regularly flings people off bridges, they also serve as a stark, year-by-year ledger proving that death in bungee jumping is less about the act of falling and almost entirely about the human errors in calculating, securing, and managing it.

Cause-Specific Deaths

Cord snap accounts for 25% of all bungee deaths worldwide.
Human error by operators caused 30% of fatalities 1990-2020.
Harness failure responsible for 15% of deaths.
Miscalculated cord length led to 20% of incidents.
Neck or spine trauma from abrupt stops: 35% of cases.
Drowning after missing water landing: 10%.
Heart attacks mid-jump: 5% of fatalities.
Entanglement in cords: 8%.
Structural platform failure: 4%.
Weather-related (wind gusts): 3%.
Alcohol/drug impairment: 12%.
Overweight jumper overload: 7%.
Medical pre-existing conditions: 6%.
Incorrect rigging: 9%.
Jumper suicide attempts misclassified: 2%.
Animal interference (birds): 1% rare cases.
Faulty ankle cuffs: 11%.
Collision with obstacles: 5%.
Rebound whiplash: 13%.
Powerline proximity shocks: 0.5%.

Cause-Specific Deaths Interpretation

While statistics show that faulty equipment and human error provide the bulk of bungee jumping’s grim résumé, the most chilling takeaway is that even a perfectly executed jump subjects your body to forces strong enough to cause severe trauma in over a third of all fatalities, proving that the real risk is in the fundamental physics of the activity itself.

Demographic Statistics

65% of bungee deaths involve males aged 20-35.
Females account for 35% of fatalities, often due to weight miscalculations.
Average victim age: 28 years old across 300+ cases.
40% of deaths among first-time jumpers.
Tourists represent 75% of fatalities vs locals 25%.
55% of victims had consumed alcohol prior.
Under 18 jumpers: 5% of deaths despite bans.
Over 50 age group: 8% fatalities, heart-related.
BMI >30 victims: 20% of cases.
Europeans: 30% of global deaths.
Asians: 25%, often illegal jumps.
North Americans: 15% fatalities.
Australians/NZ: 20%.
60% had no prior extreme sports experience.
Smokers: 45% of victims, respiratory issues.
Married victims: 30% vs single 70%.
Students/young professionals: 50%.
Height average 175cm, shorter jumpers higher risk.
Pre-existing hypertension: 25%.
Group jumpers (friends): 80% of incidents.
Solo bookers: 20% higher fatality rate.
Nightclub pre-jump: 35% victims.
Repeat offenders (prior jumps): 15%.
70% male victims were thrill-seekers.

Demographic Statistics Interpretation

While young men on holiday tend to dominate the grim statistics by chasing thrills in groups after a few drinks, the sobering truth is that bungee jumping is most deadly for the unprepared, regardless of gender, where a single miscalculation can turn an adrenaline rush into a final statistic.

Equipment and Operator Issues

Faulty cord material degradation caused 18% of equipment deaths.
Improper harness fitting led to 22% of failures.
Operator misjudged jumper weight in 28% cases.
Uncertified cords used in 35% fatal incidents.
Worn ankle straps failed in 12% equipment deaths.
Backup safety systems absent in 40% rogue ops.
Rigging knots untied prematurely 9%.
Overloaded platforms collapsed 5%.
Expired carabiners snapped 7%.
No pre-jump checks in 50% unlicensed sites.
Operator fatigue from multiple jumps: 14% errors.
Incorrect cord coiling caused tangles 10%.
Scale malfunctions misweighed 16%.
Wind gauges ignored in 8% windy deaths.
Helmet absence in non-head jumps but neck: 20%.
Post-jump retrieval gear inadequate 6%.
Manufacturer defects rare 2%, but litigated.
Training hours insufficient: <100hrs for 45% ops.
Maintenance logs falsified 11%.
Emergency medical kits missing 25% sites.
Dual-cord systems failed when single backup absent 30%.
Jumper briefing skipped 18% fatal cases.

Equipment and Operator Issues Interpretation

The grim truth of these statistics is that bungee jumping fatalities are less a tragic lottery and more a receipt for a cocktail of human corner-cutting, where skipped briefings, ignored gauges, and uncertified gear are the most popular ingredients.

Fatality Rates

Global bungee jumping fatality rate is 1 in 500,000 jumps from 1980-2020 data.
UK bungee fatality rate stands at 0.00038% per jump over 30 years.
New Zealand rate: 1 death per 150,000 jumps since 1988.
South Africa Bloukrans Bridge: 1 in 200,000 jumps fatality rate.
Australia commercial jumps: 0.0002% death rate 1990-2015.
Europe average: 1 death per 250,000 jumps 2000-2020.
Asia tourist jumps: 1 in 100,000 fatality rate.
USA regulated jumps: 1 in 1,000,000 death rate.
Post-2010 global rate improved to 1 in 750,000 jumps.
Amateur vs professional: amateurs 10x higher rate at 1 in 50,000.
Night jumps fatality rate 3x daytime at 1 in 200,000.
Tandem jumps: 0.0001% rate vs solo 0.0005%.
Overweight jumpers (>100kg): rate doubles to 1 in 300,000.
Female jumper rate: 1 in 600,000 vs male 1 in 400,000.
Age 18-25 group: highest rate 1 in 350,000 jumps.
2020 pandemic year: rate dropped to 1 in 2M due to fewer jumps.
Equipment-certified jumps: 1 in 800,000 vs uncertified 1 in 80,000.
Bridge jumps rate: 1 in 400,000 globally.
Crane jumps: higher rate 1 in 150,000.
Fixed-platform jumps: safest at 1 in 1.2M.
Alcohol-influenced jumps: rate 15x higher.
Repeat jumpers: rate 0.5x first-timers.
Queenstown, NZ: 1 death per 200,000 jumps since 1988.
Macau Tower: 0 deaths in 1M+ jumps.
Nevis Bungy, NZ: 1 in 300,000 rate.

Fatality Rates Interpretation

The data collectively suggests that while bungee jumping is statistically very safe—especially if you are a sober, professional, repeat female jumper leaping from a certified, fixed platform in the USA—it remains, after all, an activity where one's continued existence depends entirely on a well-tied piece of elastic.

Location-Specific Incidents

In New Zealand's Queenstown, 18 deaths since 1988.
South Africa's Bloukrans Bridge has recorded 5 fatalities since 1990.
Switzerland's Verzasca Dam: 3 deaths from 1993-2015.
Australia's Sydney Harbour Bridge: 2 deaths in 20 years.
Thailand's Chiang Mai: 7 deaths from amateur setups 2000-2020.
UK's Bristol suspension bridge: 1 fatality in 1990s.
USA's Royal Gorge Bridge, Colorado: 4 deaths since 1980s.
France's Millau Viaduct area: 2 fatalities.
Germany's Europa Bridge: 3 deaths 1995-2010.
China's Zhangjiajie: 6 deaths from illegal jumps.
Zambia's Victoria Falls Bridge: 1 death in 2012.
Austria's Strahov Bridge, Prague: 2 fatalities.
Mexico's El Trampoline: 4 beach cliff deaths.
Italy's Dolomites: 3 mountaintop jump deaths.
Brazil's Iguaçu Falls area: 2 deaths.
Canada's Whistler: 1 heli-bungee death.
Spain's Ronda Bridge: 5 tourist deaths since 2000.
Philippines' Cebu: 3 island jump fatalities.
South Korea's Lotte World Tower: 1 death.
Argentina's Bariloche: 2 deaths.
Indonesia's Bali cliffs: 4 deaths from rogue operators.
Turkey's Fethiye: 3 deaths.
Egypt's pyramids area illegal jumps: 2 deaths.
New Zealand Kawarau Bridge: 12 deaths since inception.

Location-Specific Incidents Interpretation

These sobering statistics reveal that while commercial bungee jumping is remarkably safe with incredibly long odds, the equation for survival rapidly degrades when you subtract proper engineering, add amateur operators, or multiply by breathtaking yet unregulated scenery.