What is the theme in Death in Yellowstone: Accidents and Foolhardiness in the First National Park by Lee Whittlesey?

Tragedy is another theme in this book. While Whittlesey emphasizes irresponsibility and culpability related to many of the deaths and injuries in Yellowstone, many of the deaths are simple tragedies. Many of those who have died have died tragically due to factors wholly beyond their control. Some have been struck by lightning and others choked by poisonous gas. Falling rocks have simply caught some people unawares, whereas stagecoach and planes have crashed.