French Tourist Dies in Death Valley Due to Extreme Heat After Car Strands
Pierre Michel Formosa, a 68-year-old French tourist, died in Death Valley National Park after his car became stuck in thick mud on a remote road. Formosa and his traveling companion, both from France, attempted to walk for help across exposed salt flats in temperatures reaching 116 degrees Fahrenheit. After walking approximately 1.3 miles, Formosa was unable to continue. His companion proceeded alone, eventually flagging down a driver who transported him to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center to report the emergency. National Park Service rangers, an Inyo County Sheriff’s deputy, and a California Highway Patrol helicopter crew initiated a search and rescue operation, locating Formosa about 1.5 miles from the road. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Inyo County Coroner’s Office will investigate the exact cause and manner of death. 
