French tourist dies in Death Valley after getting stranded in extreme heat

A French tourist has died in California's Death Valley National Park after becoming stranded in extreme heat, the National Park Service announced. The 68-year-old visitor and his travel companion were driving on West Side Road on August 17 when their vehicle became stuck in mud.

With no other vehicles nearby, the two men began walking across the salt flats toward Badwater Road to seek help. Temperatures that day soared to 116°F (around 47°C). After walking approximately 1.3 miles, the man could no longer continue.

“

Our deepest condolences are with the family and friends of the visitor who died.

His companion proceeded to Badwater Road, where a passing motorist eventually provided assistance. He then reported the incident at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center shortly after 2 p.m. A search and rescue operation was launched, involving park rangers and a county deputy. A helicopter later located the man about 1.5 miles from Badwater Road, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Death Valley National Park superintendent Mike Reynolds expressed condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. He emphasized that the incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly conditions in the park can become dangerous. Reynolds highlighted the park's extreme heat, vast distances, and remoteness as significant hazards, regardless of a visitor's experience. He also thanked those involved in the search and rescue effort.

“

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.