Tragic Landmarks: The Dark History of Iconic Bridges

Iconic bridges are often celebrated as masterpieces of engineering and symbols of architectural progress. However, some of these structures have also gained a somber reputation due to the high number of fatalities recorded since their completion. These landmarks are now part of a complex history where architectural grandeur meets human tragedy.

Important Note:

This article discusses historical facts and tragic statistics. If you or someone you know is in distress, please contact a prevention hotline immediately:

USA & Canada: Call or text 988
UK: Call 111 or 116 123
Global: Contact your local emergency services.

United States: Notorious Fatal Structures

In the United States, several standing structures are ranked among the most fatal in North America due to the volume of incidents recorded over the decades:

Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco, CA): Since opening in 1937, it has recorded more than 1,600 suicides, making it one of the most tragic sites in the country.
George Washington Memorial Bridge (Seattle, WA): Also known as the Aurora Bridge, it has seen more than 230 incidents, with an average of 10 per year and a peak of 18 in 2012.
San Diego-Coronado Bridge (San Diego, CA): Between 1972 and 2000, more than 200 fatalities were recorded on this iconic California crossing. Detailed info can be found on our Coronado Bridge guide.
Sunshine Skyway Bridge (Tampa Bay, FL): Since its opening in 1987, at least 130 people have jumped into the waters of Tampa Bay from the center span. Read more about the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

Other notable sites with significant numbers include the Cold Spring Canyon Arch Bridge (55 jumps), the Colorado Street Bridge, and the New River Gorge Bridge (WV).

Global Landmarks and Tragic Statistics

Around the world, other famous bridges are known for their somber statistics and the high number of recorded incidents:

Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge (China): This structure has the highest number of fatalities globally, with more than 2,000 incidents recorded between 1968 and 2006.
Clifton Suspension Bridge (UK): Since 1864, this historic bridge has seen over 500 deaths.
Prince Edward Viaduct (Canada): By 2003, nearly 500 incidents had been recorded, making it historically the second most fatal structure in North America.
Nusle Bridge (Czech Republic): Built in 1973 in Prague, it has seen more than 300 fatalities in its history.
Humber Bridge (UK): More than 200 incidents have been documented since its opening in 1981.