A 68-year-old French tourist reportedly died at Death Valley National Park in California on Aug. 17 after being stranded on a remote road in high heat, according to officials.
Pierre Michel Formosa and his travel companion were traveling on West Side Road when their car got stuck in mud. "With no other vehicles in the area, the men began walking across the salt flats toward Badwater Road to seek assistance," the National Park Service said in an Aug. 21 news release. Badwater Road runs parallel to West Side Road.
Death Valley National Park is one of California's deadliest and hottest parks with multiple people having died for exposure to the extreme heat.
The park is known for its extreme temperatures, remote terrain, and limited cell service. That
day, temperatures in the park reached 116 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the Park Service.
The two visitors walked around 1.3 miles until Formosa was "unable to continue" the trek to get help. His travel companion eventually reached Badwater Road. He received assistance from a passing motorist and arrived at Furnace Creek Visitor Center to report the incident at around 2 p.m. local time.
A search and rescue operation was launched by park rangers and an Inyo County deputy shortly afterward. Formosa was found by a California Highway Patrol helicopter about 1.5 miles from Badwater Road, and pronounced dead at the scene. A coroner is expected to determine his cause and manner of death.
"Our deepest condolences are with the family and friends of the visitor who died," said Death Valley National Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds in the release. "This is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly conditions here can turn dangerous. Death Valley is an extraordinary place, but its heat, distances, and remoteness can be dangerous, regardless of experience. We’re grateful to everyone who took part in the search, and our thoughts are with his loved ones."
Death Valley's history of fatalities
In the summer of 2024, Death Valley National Park reported multiple deaths as temperatures soared to record-breaking highs of around 130 degrees. That July, a group of six motorcyclists was riding through the park on a day when the temperature hit 128 degrees. One person died of heat exposure while another was taken to a Las Vegas hospital for severe heat illness.
In August that same year, a 57-year-old hiker from Los Angeles County reportedly drove his car off a steep embankment. Witnesses said they saw him stumbling after finishing his hike, and an autopsy confirmed he died of heat exposure.
How to stay safe while visiting Death Valley
Due to the potential dangers of Death Valley, the park service recommends travelers take precautions before setting out on their day in the park.
Here are some tips for visiting the park:
- Check current road and weather conditions and plan your route ahead.
- Tell someone when you are going and expected to return.
- Carry at least one gallon of water per person, per day, and extra for emergencies.
- Make sure your vehicle is equipped to handle rugged terrain if you plan on driving through those conditions. Four-wheel-drive and high-clearance vehicles are recommended.
- Bring a way to call for help where cell phones cannot reach, such as a satellite phone or emergency beacon.
- Stay inside your vehicle if it does break down, as it provides shade and shelter.
- During periods of extreme heat, such as current conditions, the park service recommends visitors stay on paved roads and avoid lower elevations.
Ernesto Centeno Araujo covers breaking news for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at ecentenoaraujo@vcstar.com, 805-437-0224 or @ecentenoaraujo on Instagram and X.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: French tourist dies on remote road of California national park
