Parade-Related Deaths, Thanksgiving 2002 Like every year since its inception, the 76th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in Manhattan was fraught with death. This year, 184 people perished as a direct result of attending or participating the parade, down slightly from last year, but still a full two dozen more than average. Recently, officials concluded the month-long investigation and released the results. Here is a breakdown of the causes. (Source: New York Police Department) Froze to death where they stood - 33 Trampled by Lafayette (Kentucky) High School Marching Band - 29 Trapped under knocked-over lamppost - 25 Lifted into the air when foot became tangled in balloon rope - 20 (Pikachu - 5; Jimmy Neutron - 7; Rob Schneider's "The Hot Chick" - 8) A parade balloon promoting the Rob Schneider film "The Hot Chick" floats menacingly through Manhattan streets. Fell from top of building along parade route - 19 Crushed by people falling from top of building along parade route - 19 Ticker tape inhalation - 15 Tried to dart across street to Starbucks, shot by rooftop patrol - 12 Suffocated trying to suck helium from the "Ask Jeeves" balloon - 6 Fun overload - 5 Mauled to death after taking flash photo of Katie Couric - 1