French Tourist Dies After Being Stranded In Death Valley Heat
68-year-old man died after his vehicle got stuck and he walked across the desert in temperatures of 116°F.
A 68-year-old French tourist died in California’s Death Valley National Park after his vehicle became stuck in mud and he was stranded in extreme heat, according to park officials.
Pierre Michel Formosa and his travelling companion, both from France, were driving along the remote West Side Road on August 17 when their vehicle became stuck in mud near Queen of Sheba Mine Road. With no other vehicles nearby, the two men left the vehicle and began walking across the salt flats towards Badwater Road to seek help.
Temperatures in Death Valley reached 116°F (46.7°C) that day. After walking about 1.3 miles, Formosa was unable to continue. His companion continued towards Badwater Road and eventually received assistance from a passing motorist before reporting the emergency at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center shortly after 2 pm.
National Park Service rangers, an Inyo County deputy and a California Highway Patrol helicopter launched a search-and-rescue operation. Formosa was located by helicopter about 1.5 miles from Badwater Road and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Inyo County Coroner’s Office will determine the exact cause of death.
Death Valley National Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds expressed condolences to Formosa’s family and warned visitors about the dangers posed by the park’s extreme heat, remoteness and limited cell-phone coverage.
Park officials have urged visitors travelling during extreme heat to plan their routes carefully, carry adequate water and emergency supplies, and remain with disabled vehicles rather than attempting to walk for help.
