A 68-year-old French tourist at Death Valley National Park died 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 known for its extreme temperatures, remote terrain and limited cell service. That day, temperatures in the park reached 116 degrees Fahrenheit, according to NPS.
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 afterwards. 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 heat sparks safety concerns
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 were 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, 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.
Due to the potential dangers of Death Valley, NPS recommends travelers take precautions before setting out on their day in the park. Travelers are recommended to bring at least one gallon of water per person per day, along with extra for vehicle emergencies, and to stay put if they experience car troubles. "It provides shade and shelter, and it's far easier for search teams to spot than a person on foot in open terrain," NPS said.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tourist dies at Death Valley after being stranded in high heat
