French Tourist Dies in Death Valley During Record Heatwave

A 68-year-old French tourist, identified as Pierre Michel Formosa, died in California's Death Valley National Park after becoming stranded with a companion during a record heatwave. The incident occurred on August 17 when their vehicle became stuck in mud on a remote road.

With no other vehicles in sight and no means of assistance, the two French nationals decided to abandon their car and walk across the salt flats toward Badwater Road to seek help. They faced extreme conditions, with temperatures reaching 47°C (117°F) and minimal shade available.

According to the U.S. National Park Service (NPS), Formosa could not continue after approximately 2 kilometers. His companion proceeded to Badwater Road, where they were able to get assistance from a passing driver. The companion then notified park authorities about Formosa's situation.

Park rangers and a county sheriff's deputy, aided by a California Highway Patrol helicopter, launched a search and rescue operation. They located Formosa later that afternoon about 2.4 kilometers from Badwater Road, confirming his death. Mike Reynolds, superintendent of Death Valley National Park, expressed condolences and cautioned about the region's inherent dangers. "Death Valley is an extraordinary place, but its heat, vast distances, and isolation can be dangerous, regardless of experience," Reynolds stated in an NPS press release.

The death occurred amidst a period of intense heatwaves across the United States. In June, at least four hikers died in Arizona's Grand Canyon National Park, incidents authorities preliminarily linked to high temperatures. Death Valley is known as one of the hottest places on Earth, with summer temperatures potentially reaching 54°C (130°F) and nighttime lows remaining near 32°C (90°F).

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El Valle de la Muerte es un lugar extraordinario, pero su calor, las grandes distancias y su aislamiento pueden ser peligrosos, independientemente de la experiencia. Agradecemos a todos los que participaron en la búsqueda y acompañamos en el sentimiento a sus seres queridos