A French tourist has died in Death Valley National Park after becoming stranded in triple-digit heat, park officials confirmed. Pierre Michel Formosa, 68, and a companion were traveling on a remote road when their vehicle became stuck in mud.
Amid temperatures reaching 116 degrees Fahrenheit on Aug. 17, the pair began walking across the salt flats to seek help, according to a National Park Service news release. Formosa was unable to continue more than a mile into the trek for assistance.
His companion proceeded and eventually encountered a passing motorist who helped report the incident to one of the park's visitor centers. National Park Service rangers and local first responders initiated a search and rescue operation and later located Formosa, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The Inyo County coroner will determine the official cause and manner of death.
"This is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly conditions here can turn dangerous," said Death Valley National Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds. "Death Valley is an extraordinary place, but its heat, distances, and remoteness can be dangerous, regardless of experience." Reynolds extended condolences to Formosa's family and friends and expressed gratitude to those involved in the search.
Death Valley National Park is known for its extreme temperatures, with the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth occurring there. Visitors are frequently advised to carry ample water and to be prepared for the harsh desert environment. The park encompasses over 3.4 million acres and features remote areas with limited services and connectivity.