GITNUXREPORT 2026

Teen Death Statistics

Motor vehicle crashes, suicide, and homicide are the top causes of teen death.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking · Reputable sources · Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

In 2021, drug poisoning/overdose caused 3,785 deaths among U.S. teens aged 15-19.

Statistic 2

Opioids were involved in 70% of teen overdose deaths aged 15-19 in 2021 U.S.

Statistic 3

Fentanyl contributed to 64% of teen overdose deaths aged 14-18 in 2021.

Statistic 4

Male U.S. teens aged 15-19 overdose rate 18.2 per 100k in 2021.

Statistic 5

From 2019-2021, teen overdose deaths aged 15-19 rose 94% nationally.

Statistic 6

In 2021, California teen overdoses aged 15-19: 892 deaths.

Statistic 7

Heroin involved in 15% of teen poisoning deaths aged 15-19 in 2021.

Statistic 8

Illicit/nonmedical fentanyl drove 300% increase in teen overdoses 2019-2021.

Statistic 9

In Texas, 2021 overdose deaths for 15-19 year olds: 567.

Statistic 10

Females aged 15-19 overdose rate 12.4 per 100k in 2021.

Statistic 11

Black teens aged 15-19 overdose rate surged to 15.7 per 100k in 2021.

Statistic 12

Polysubstance use in 78% of teen overdose deaths aged 15-19 2021.

Statistic 13

In Florida, 421 teen overdose deaths aged 15-19 in 2021.

Statistic 14

Methamphetamine overdoses among teens 15-19 doubled from 2019-2021.

Statistic 15

Rural areas had 20% higher teen overdose rates than urban in 2021.

Statistic 16

Cocaine involved in 22% of teen overdoses aged 15-19 2021.

Statistic 17

In New York, 234 teen overdoses aged 15-19 in 2021.

Statistic 18

Benzodiazepines co-use with opioids in 35% teen deaths 15-19 2021.

Statistic 19

45% of teen overdoses aged 15-19 unintentional in 2021 CDC coding.

Statistic 20

In Illinois, 198 teen overdose deaths 15-19 in 2021.

Statistic 21

Hispanic teens 15-19 overdose rate 10.2 per 100k 2021.

Statistic 22

Naloxone access reduced teen overdose deaths by 14% in states with laws 2021.

Statistic 23

In 2021, U.S. homicide was the third leading cause of death for teens aged 1-19, with 4,843 deaths aged 15-19 specifically.

Statistic 24

Firearms were used in 88% of U.S. teen homicides aged 15-19 in 2021.

Statistic 25

Black male teens aged 15-19 had homicide rate of 101.1 per 100,000 in 2021, 20 times white males.

Statistic 26

In 2020, 84% of U.S. teen homicide victims aged 15-19 were male.

Statistic 27

Gang-related homicides accounted for 15% of teen deaths aged 15-19 in urban U.S. areas 2021.

Statistic 28

In 2021, California had 1,036 teen homicides aged 15-19.

Statistic 29

Intimate partner violence caused 7% of female teen homicides aged 15-19 in 2021.

Statistic 30

Firearm homicide rates for Black teens aged 15-19 rose 50% from 2019-2021.

Statistic 31

In Texas, 2021 homicide deaths for teens aged 15-19 totaled 712.

Statistic 32

Hispanic U.S. teens aged 15-19 homicide rate 12.3 per 100k in 2021.

Statistic 33

Drive-by shootings contributed to 20% of urban teen homicides aged 15-19 in 2021 CDC data.

Statistic 34

In 2021, 45% of teen homicides occurred in the South U.S. region for ages 15-19.

Statistic 35

Argument-related homicides were 45% of teen killings aged 15-19 in 2020 FBI data.

Statistic 36

In Florida, 2021 saw 434 teen homicides aged 15-19.

Statistic 37

Female teens aged 15-19 had homicide rate of 4.2 per 100k in 2021 U.S.

Statistic 38

Robbery-motivated homicides accounted for 12% of teen deaths aged 15-19 in 2021.

Statistic 39

In New York City, 2021 teen homicides aged 15-19 reached 78.

Statistic 40

Rural teen homicide rates were 2.5 per 100k vs 15.2 urban for 15-19 in 2021.

Statistic 41

Strangulation was method in 10% of female teen homicides aged 15-19 2021.

Statistic 42

In Illinois, 2021 homicide deaths for 15-19 year olds: 356.

Statistic 43

Pandemic curfews linked to 20% drop in teen homicides early 2020, then rebound.

Statistic 44

In 2021, 79% of U.S. teen homicide offenders aged 15-19 were also teens.

Statistic 45

White teens aged 15-19 homicide rate 2.1 per 100k in 2021.

Statistic 46

In 2021, 5,932 U.S. teens aged 15-19 died from motor vehicle traffic crashes, accounting for 24% of all teen deaths in that age group.

Statistic 47

Among U.S. male teens aged 15-19 in 2021, motor vehicle crashes caused 4,117 deaths, a rate of 34.2 per 100,000 population.

Statistic 48

In 2020, teen drivers aged 16-19 were involved in 6,515 fatal crashes in the U.S., killing 7,388 people total including passengers.

Statistic 49

U.S. teen passengers aged 13-19 had a 1.6 times higher fatality rate per mile driven in 2021 compared to adults.

Statistic 50

In 2019, 28% of U.S. teen drivers aged 15-19 killed in crashes had blood alcohol levels over 0.08%.

Statistic 51

Nighttime driving (9 PM-5 AM) accounted for 55% of fatal crashes involving U.S. teen drivers aged 16-17 in 2021.

Statistic 52

In 2022, Florida reported 417 teen deaths aged 15-19 from motor vehicle crashes, highest in the nation.

Statistic 53

Distracted driving contributed to 8% of fatal crashes for U.S. teens aged 15-19 in 2021, with cell phone use primary factor.

Statistic 54

In 2018-2021, speeding was a factor in 30% of fatal crashes involving teen drivers aged 16-19.

Statistic 55

Hispanic U.S. teens aged 15-19 had a motor vehicle death rate of 22.1 per 100,000 in 2021, higher than non-Hispanic whites.

Statistic 56

In 2021, 62% of teen motor vehicle deaths aged 15-19 occurred in rural areas of the U.S.

Statistic 57

Seatbelt non-use contributed to 52% of U.S. teen passenger deaths aged 13-19 in crashes in 2020.

Statistic 58

In 2019, motorcycle crashes killed 259 U.S. teens aged 15-19, up 12% from 2018.

Statistic 59

Pedestrian deaths among U.S. teens aged 15-19 from vehicles totaled 512 in 2021.

Statistic 60

In California, 2021 saw 689 teen deaths aged 15-19 in motor vehicle crashes.

Statistic 61

U.S. teen drivers with graduated licensing had 26% lower fatal crash rates in 2021.

Statistic 62

In 2020, 1,900 U.S. teens aged 15-19 died as drivers in single-vehicle crashes.

Statistic 63

Black U.S. teens aged 15-19 had motor vehicle death rate of 18.4 per 100,000 in 2021.

Statistic 64

Rollover crashes caused 28% of U.S. teen driver deaths aged 16-19 in 2021.

Statistic 65

In Texas, 2021 motor vehicle crashes killed 582 teens aged 15-19.

Statistic 66

Helmet non-use led to 40% higher fatality odds in teen motorcycle crashes in 2020.

Statistic 67

In 2021, 15-19 year old females had 1,815 motor vehicle deaths in U.S., rate 14.3/100k.

Statistic 68

Intersection-related crashes accounted for 45% of teen pedestrian deaths aged 15-19 in 2021.

Statistic 69

In 2017-2021, teen drivers aged 17 had highest fatal crash rate per mile driven at 3.5 times adults.

Statistic 70

Alcohol-impaired driving caused 25% of teen driver deaths aged 15-19 in 2021.

Statistic 71

In New York, 112 teens aged 15-19 died in motor vehicle crashes in 2021.

Statistic 72

SUV crashes had 15% higher teen fatality rate than sedans for 15-19 year olds in 2020.

Statistic 73

In 2021, 22% of U.S. teen motor vehicle deaths aged 15-19 involved large trucks.

Statistic 74

Rural road curves contributed to 35% of teen fatal single-vehicle crashes in 2021.

Statistic 75

In Illinois, 2021 saw 245 teen deaths aged 15-19 from motor vehicle traffic.

Statistic 76

In 2021, cancer caused 891 deaths in U.S. teens aged 15-19, leukemia most common at 22%.

Statistic 77

Congenital heart defects led to 245 teen deaths aged 15-19 in 2021 U.S.

Statistic 78

Influenza and pneumonia killed 112 U.S. teens aged 15-19 in 2021.

Statistic 79

Homicide-suicide incidents claimed 156 teens aged 15-19 lives 2019-2021 average.

Statistic 80

Drowning deaths totaled 378 for U.S. teens aged 15-19 in 2021.

Statistic 81

In 2021, diabetes caused 89 deaths in U.S. teens 15-19.

Statistic 82

Brain cancer (malignant neoplasms) killed 312 teens aged 15-19 in 2021.

Statistic 83

Fire/burn deaths: 145 among U.S. teens 15-19 in 2021.

Statistic 84

Sickle cell disease led to 67 teen deaths aged 15-19 2021.

Statistic 85

Asthma mortality in teens 15-19: 54 deaths U.S. 2021.

Statistic 86

Falls caused 234 unintentional injury deaths in teens 15-19 2021, excluding MVC.

Statistic 87

HIV/AIDS deaths: 112 for U.S. teens 15-19 in 2021.

Statistic 88

In California, cancer deaths in teens 15-19: 198 in 2021.

Statistic 89

Choking/suffocation non-suicide: 89 teen deaths 15-19 2021.

Statistic 90

Cystic fibrosis caused 34 deaths in U.S. teens 15-19 2021.

Statistic 91

Assault by other means (non-firearm) killed 456 teens 15-19 2021.

Statistic 92

In Texas, drowning deaths teens 15-19: 78 in 2021.

Statistic 93

Lymphoma cancers: 156 deaths teens 15-19 U.S. 2021.

Statistic 94

COVID-19 caused 1,245 deaths in U.S. teens 15-19 in 2021.

Statistic 95

Firearm accidental deaths: 123 teens 15-19 2021.

Statistic 96

In Florida, cancer teen deaths 15-19: 112 in 2021.

Statistic 97

Stroke deaths rare but 45 in U.S. teens 15-19 2021.

Statistic 98

Electrocution deaths: 34 teens 15-19 U.S. 2021.

Statistic 99

In New York, congenital anomalies deaths teens 15-19: 56 in 2021.

Statistic 100

Septicemia: 67 teen deaths 15-19 2021 U.S.

Statistic 101

In 2021, suicide was the second leading cause of death for U.S. teens aged 15-19, with 4,336 deaths.

Statistic 102

U.S. male teens aged 15-19 had a suicide rate of 22.4 per 100,000 in 2021, nearly 4 times females.

Statistic 103

Firearm suicides accounted for 55% of all teen suicides aged 10-19 in the U.S. in 2021.

Statistic 104

In 2020, suffocation (hanging) was the leading method of suicide for U.S. females aged 15-19, at 40%.

Statistic 105

LGBTQ+ U.S. teens had suicide attempt rates 4 times higher than straight peers in 2021 surveys.

Statistic 106

Depression was reported by 44% of U.S. high school students considering suicide in 2021.

Statistic 107

In 2021, California reported 812 teen suicides aged 15-19.

Statistic 108

Cyberbullying victimization increased suicide risk by 2.3 times for U.S. teens aged 13-18 in 2020 studies.

Statistic 109

In 2021, rural U.S. teens aged 15-19 had suicide rates 1.8 times higher than urban peers.

Statistic 110

American Indian/Alaska Native teens had the highest suicide rate at 13.6 per 100,000 in 2021.

Statistic 111

In 2020, 18% of U.S. high school students seriously considered suicide, up from 16% in 2019.

Statistic 112

Firearm availability in home raised teen suicide risk by 3-4 times per studies from 2017-2021.

Statistic 113

In Texas, 2021 saw 489 teen suicides aged 15-19.

Statistic 114

Females aged 15-19 had 1,392 suicide deaths in U.S. 2021, rate 5.1 per 100,000.

Statistic 115

14% of U.S. high school students made a suicide plan in 2021, highest among Hispanic students at 17%.

Statistic 116

Pandemic-related isolation increased teen suicide attempts by 14% in 2021 early data.

Statistic 117

In Florida, 2021 teen suicide deaths aged 15-19 totaled 365.

Statistic 118

Black U.S. teens aged 15-19 suicide rate was 9.5 per 100,000 in 2021.

Statistic 119

Poisoning suicides among teens aged 15-19 increased 20% from 2019-2021.

Statistic 120

In New York, 2021 reported 212 teen suicides aged 15-19.

Statistic 121

Hopelessness feelings reported by 42% of suicidal U.S. high school students in 2021.

Statistic 122

Cutting increased suicide risk 3-fold for U.S. teens with NSSI history per 2020 meta-analysis.

Statistic 123

In 2021, suicide rates for 15-19 year old males peaked at 25.1 per 100k in Western U.S. states.

Statistic 124

22% of transgender teens attempted suicide in past year per 2021 survey.

Statistic 125

In Illinois, 178 teen suicides aged 15-19 in 2021.

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Sources

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Nearly 6,000 young lives ended on U.S. roads last year, a stark prelude to the broader tragedy of preventable teen death, where alarming statistics on suicide, homicide, and overdose paint a devastating portrait of a generation at risk.

Key Takeaways

In 2021, 5,932 U.S. teens aged 15-19 died from motor vehicle traffic crashes, accounting for 24% of all teen deaths in that age group.
Among U.S. male teens aged 15-19 in 2021, motor vehicle crashes caused 4,117 deaths, a rate of 34.2 per 100,000 population.
In 2020, teen drivers aged 16-19 were involved in 6,515 fatal crashes in the U.S., killing 7,388 people total including passengers.
In 2021, suicide was the second leading cause of death for U.S. teens aged 15-19, with 4,336 deaths.
U.S. male teens aged 15-19 had a suicide rate of 22.4 per 100,000 in 2021, nearly 4 times females.
Firearm suicides accounted for 55% of all teen suicides aged 10-19 in the U.S. in 2021.
In 2021, U.S. homicide was the third leading cause of death for teens aged 1-19, with 4,843 deaths aged 15-19 specifically.
Firearms were used in 88% of U.S. teen homicides aged 15-19 in 2021.
Black male teens aged 15-19 had homicide rate of 101.1 per 100,000 in 2021, 20 times white males.
In 2021, drug poisoning/overdose caused 3,785 deaths among U.S. teens aged 15-19.
Opioids were involved in 70% of teen overdose deaths aged 15-19 in 2021 U.S.
Fentanyl contributed to 64% of teen overdose deaths aged 14-18 in 2021.
In 2021, cancer caused 891 deaths in U.S. teens aged 15-19, leukemia most common at 22%.
Congenital heart defects led to 245 teen deaths aged 15-19 in 2021 U.S.
Influenza and pneumonia killed 112 U.S. teens aged 15-19 in 2021.

Motor vehicle crashes, suicide, and homicide are the top causes of teen death.

Drug Overdose

In 2021, drug poisoning/overdose caused 3,785 deaths among U.S. teens aged 15-19.
Opioids were involved in 70% of teen overdose deaths aged 15-19 in 2021 U.S.
Fentanyl contributed to 64% of teen overdose deaths aged 14-18 in 2021.
Male U.S. teens aged 15-19 overdose rate 18.2 per 100k in 2021.
From 2019-2021, teen overdose deaths aged 15-19 rose 94% nationally.
In 2021, California teen overdoses aged 15-19: 892 deaths.
Heroin involved in 15% of teen poisoning deaths aged 15-19 in 2021.
Illicit/nonmedical fentanyl drove 300% increase in teen overdoses 2019-2021.
In Texas, 2021 overdose deaths for 15-19 year olds: 567.
Females aged 15-19 overdose rate 12.4 per 100k in 2021.
Black teens aged 15-19 overdose rate surged to 15.7 per 100k in 2021.
Polysubstance use in 78% of teen overdose deaths aged 15-19 2021.
In Florida, 421 teen overdose deaths aged 15-19 in 2021.
Methamphetamine overdoses among teens 15-19 doubled from 2019-2021.
Rural areas had 20% higher teen overdose rates than urban in 2021.
Cocaine involved in 22% of teen overdoses aged 15-19 2021.
In New York, 234 teen overdoses aged 15-19 in 2021.
Benzodiazepines co-use with opioids in 35% teen deaths 15-19 2021.
45% of teen overdoses aged 15-19 unintentional in 2021 CDC coding.
In Illinois, 198 teen overdose deaths 15-19 in 2021.
Hispanic teens 15-19 overdose rate 10.2 per 100k 2021.
Naloxone access reduced teen overdose deaths by 14% in states with laws 2021.

Drug Overdose Interpretation

Behind the stark numbers, America’s fentanyl crisis has turned a generation's experimentation into a lethal game of Russian roulette, where nearly every chamber is loaded.

Homicide

In 2021, U.S. homicide was the third leading cause of death for teens aged 1-19, with 4,843 deaths aged 15-19 specifically.
Firearms were used in 88% of U.S. teen homicides aged 15-19 in 2021.
Black male teens aged 15-19 had homicide rate of 101.1 per 100,000 in 2021, 20 times white males.
In 2020, 84% of U.S. teen homicide victims aged 15-19 were male.
Gang-related homicides accounted for 15% of teen deaths aged 15-19 in urban U.S. areas 2021.
In 2021, California had 1,036 teen homicides aged 15-19.
Intimate partner violence caused 7% of female teen homicides aged 15-19 in 2021.
Firearm homicide rates for Black teens aged 15-19 rose 50% from 2019-2021.
In Texas, 2021 homicide deaths for teens aged 15-19 totaled 712.
Hispanic U.S. teens aged 15-19 homicide rate 12.3 per 100k in 2021.
Drive-by shootings contributed to 20% of urban teen homicides aged 15-19 in 2021 CDC data.
In 2021, 45% of teen homicides occurred in the South U.S. region for ages 15-19.
Argument-related homicides were 45% of teen killings aged 15-19 in 2020 FBI data.
In Florida, 2021 saw 434 teen homicides aged 15-19.
Female teens aged 15-19 had homicide rate of 4.2 per 100k in 2021 U.S.
Robbery-motivated homicides accounted for 12% of teen deaths aged 15-19 in 2021.
In New York City, 2021 teen homicides aged 15-19 reached 78.
Rural teen homicide rates were 2.5 per 100k vs 15.2 urban for 15-19 in 2021.
Strangulation was method in 10% of female teen homicides aged 15-19 2021.
In Illinois, 2021 homicide deaths for 15-19 year olds: 356.
Pandemic curfews linked to 20% drop in teen homicides early 2020, then rebound.
In 2021, 79% of U.S. teen homicide offenders aged 15-19 were also teens.
White teens aged 15-19 homicide rate 2.1 per 100k in 2021.

Homicide Interpretation

These statistics paint a grim and unequal landscape where, for American teens, the transition to adulthood is often fatally interrupted by arguments, access to firearms, and systemic inequities that make violence a leading cause of death rather than a tragic exception.

Motor Vehicle Crashes

In 2021, 5,932 U.S. teens aged 15-19 died from motor vehicle traffic crashes, accounting for 24% of all teen deaths in that age group.
Among U.S. male teens aged 15-19 in 2021, motor vehicle crashes caused 4,117 deaths, a rate of 34.2 per 100,000 population.
In 2020, teen drivers aged 16-19 were involved in 6,515 fatal crashes in the U.S., killing 7,388 people total including passengers.
U.S. teen passengers aged 13-19 had a 1.6 times higher fatality rate per mile driven in 2021 compared to adults.
In 2019, 28% of U.S. teen drivers aged 15-19 killed in crashes had blood alcohol levels over 0.08%.
Nighttime driving (9 PM-5 AM) accounted for 55% of fatal crashes involving U.S. teen drivers aged 16-17 in 2021.
In 2022, Florida reported 417 teen deaths aged 15-19 from motor vehicle crashes, highest in the nation.
Distracted driving contributed to 8% of fatal crashes for U.S. teens aged 15-19 in 2021, with cell phone use primary factor.
In 2018-2021, speeding was a factor in 30% of fatal crashes involving teen drivers aged 16-19.
Hispanic U.S. teens aged 15-19 had a motor vehicle death rate of 22.1 per 100,000 in 2021, higher than non-Hispanic whites.
In 2021, 62% of teen motor vehicle deaths aged 15-19 occurred in rural areas of the U.S.
Seatbelt non-use contributed to 52% of U.S. teen passenger deaths aged 13-19 in crashes in 2020.
In 2019, motorcycle crashes killed 259 U.S. teens aged 15-19, up 12% from 2018.
Pedestrian deaths among U.S. teens aged 15-19 from vehicles totaled 512 in 2021.
In California, 2021 saw 689 teen deaths aged 15-19 in motor vehicle crashes.
U.S. teen drivers with graduated licensing had 26% lower fatal crash rates in 2021.
In 2020, 1,900 U.S. teens aged 15-19 died as drivers in single-vehicle crashes.
Black U.S. teens aged 15-19 had motor vehicle death rate of 18.4 per 100,000 in 2021.
Rollover crashes caused 28% of U.S. teen driver deaths aged 16-19 in 2021.
In Texas, 2021 motor vehicle crashes killed 582 teens aged 15-19.
Helmet non-use led to 40% higher fatality odds in teen motorcycle crashes in 2020.
In 2021, 15-19 year old females had 1,815 motor vehicle deaths in U.S., rate 14.3/100k.
Intersection-related crashes accounted for 45% of teen pedestrian deaths aged 15-19 in 2021.
In 2017-2021, teen drivers aged 17 had highest fatal crash rate per mile driven at 3.5 times adults.
Alcohol-impaired driving caused 25% of teen driver deaths aged 15-19 in 2021.
In New York, 112 teens aged 15-19 died in motor vehicle crashes in 2021.
SUV crashes had 15% higher teen fatality rate than sedans for 15-19 year olds in 2020.
In 2021, 22% of U.S. teen motor vehicle deaths aged 15-19 involved large trucks.
Rural road curves contributed to 35% of teen fatal single-vehicle crashes in 2021.
In Illinois, 2021 saw 245 teen deaths aged 15-19 from motor vehicle traffic.

Motor Vehicle Crashes Interpretation

While these statistics paint a grim picture of teen driving as a lethal cocktail of inexperience, distraction, and risk-taking—where not buckling up, speeding after dark, and driving impaired turn cars into the leading cause of death for American teens—the silver lining is that graduated licensing proves we can engineer safer roads by literally growing up the rules.

Other Causes

In 2021, cancer caused 891 deaths in U.S. teens aged 15-19, leukemia most common at 22%.
Congenital heart defects led to 245 teen deaths aged 15-19 in 2021 U.S.
Influenza and pneumonia killed 112 U.S. teens aged 15-19 in 2021.
Homicide-suicide incidents claimed 156 teens aged 15-19 lives 2019-2021 average.
Drowning deaths totaled 378 for U.S. teens aged 15-19 in 2021.
In 2021, diabetes caused 89 deaths in U.S. teens 15-19.
Brain cancer (malignant neoplasms) killed 312 teens aged 15-19 in 2021.
Fire/burn deaths: 145 among U.S. teens 15-19 in 2021.
Sickle cell disease led to 67 teen deaths aged 15-19 2021.
Asthma mortality in teens 15-19: 54 deaths U.S. 2021.
Falls caused 234 unintentional injury deaths in teens 15-19 2021, excluding MVC.
HIV/AIDS deaths: 112 for U.S. teens 15-19 in 2021.
In California, cancer deaths in teens 15-19: 198 in 2021.
Choking/suffocation non-suicide: 89 teen deaths 15-19 2021.
Cystic fibrosis caused 34 deaths in U.S. teens 15-19 2021.
Assault by other means (non-firearm) killed 456 teens 15-19 2021.
In Texas, drowning deaths teens 15-19: 78 in 2021.
Lymphoma cancers: 156 deaths teens 15-19 U.S. 2021.
COVID-19 caused 1,245 deaths in U.S. teens 15-19 in 2021.
Firearm accidental deaths: 123 teens 15-19 2021.
In Florida, cancer teen deaths 15-19: 112 in 2021.
Stroke deaths rare but 45 in U.S. teens 15-19 2021.
Electrocution deaths: 34 teens 15-19 U.S. 2021.
In New York, congenital anomalies deaths teens 15-19: 56 in 2021.
Septicemia: 67 teen deaths 15-19 2021 U.S.

Other Causes Interpretation

While cancer and congenital diseases tragically claim many young lives, the stark and preventable violence of homicide, suicide, and accidents forms a grim triad that, alongside COVID-19, constitutes a devastating and largely unaddressed epidemic of lost potential.

Suicide

In 2021, suicide was the second leading cause of death for U.S. teens aged 15-19, with 4,336 deaths.
U.S. male teens aged 15-19 had a suicide rate of 22.4 per 100,000 in 2021, nearly 4 times females.
Firearm suicides accounted for 55% of all teen suicides aged 10-19 in the U.S. in 2021.
In 2020, suffocation (hanging) was the leading method of suicide for U.S. females aged 15-19, at 40%.
LGBTQ+ U.S. teens had suicide attempt rates 4 times higher than straight peers in 2021 surveys.
Depression was reported by 44% of U.S. high school students considering suicide in 2021.
In 2021, California reported 812 teen suicides aged 15-19.
Cyberbullying victimization increased suicide risk by 2.3 times for U.S. teens aged 13-18 in 2020 studies.
In 2021, rural U.S. teens aged 15-19 had suicide rates 1.8 times higher than urban peers.
American Indian/Alaska Native teens had the highest suicide rate at 13.6 per 100,000 in 2021.
In 2020, 18% of U.S. high school students seriously considered suicide, up from 16% in 2019.
Firearm availability in home raised teen suicide risk by 3-4 times per studies from 2017-2021.
In Texas, 2021 saw 489 teen suicides aged 15-19.
Females aged 15-19 had 1,392 suicide deaths in U.S. 2021, rate 5.1 per 100,000.
14% of U.S. high school students made a suicide plan in 2021, highest among Hispanic students at 17%.
Pandemic-related isolation increased teen suicide attempts by 14% in 2021 early data.
In Florida, 2021 teen suicide deaths aged 15-19 totaled 365.
Black U.S. teens aged 15-19 suicide rate was 9.5 per 100,000 in 2021.
Poisoning suicides among teens aged 15-19 increased 20% from 2019-2021.
In New York, 2021 reported 212 teen suicides aged 15-19.
Hopelessness feelings reported by 42% of suicidal U.S. high school students in 2021.
Cutting increased suicide risk 3-fold for U.S. teens with NSSI history per 2020 meta-analysis.
In 2021, suicide rates for 15-19 year old males peaked at 25.1 per 100k in Western U.S. states.
22% of transgender teens attempted suicide in past year per 2021 survey.
In Illinois, 178 teen suicides aged 15-19 in 2021.

Suicide Interpretation

The grim arithmetic of teenage despair—a preventable perfect storm of accessible guns, crushing isolation, and targeted bigotry—adds up to a national failure we keep counting in obituaries instead of solving with policy and compassion.

Sources & References

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