Tourist dies in Death Valley after car gets stuck in 116-degree heat

A 68-year-old French tourist, Pierre Michel Formosa, passed away in Death Valley National Park after his car became stuck in mud during scorching temperatures, according to officials. Formosa and a companion were stranded on a road in a remote part of the California park on August 17 when their vehicle became trapped in mud. They attempted to walk to find help, but Formosa became exhausted after walking about 1.3 miles with no one in sight.

Temperatures had already reached 116 degrees Fahrenheit that afternoon. Formosa's companion continued on his own and was eventually spotted by a passing driver, who reported the incident to park rangers at around 2 p.m. local time. Rangers, assisted by a county deputy and a California Highway Patrol helicopter, located Formosa later that afternoon.

He was pronounced dead at the scene, and his cause of death is yet to be determined by the Inyo County coroner. Death Valley Superintendent Mike Reynolds expressed condolences to Formosa's family and friends and warned of the dangers associated with visiting Death Valley, emphasizing how quickly dangerous conditions can arise due to the heat, distances, and remoteness of the area.

The park superintendent also highlighted the all-time temperature record of 134 degrees Fahrenheit recorded in the park in July 1913. This incident occurred as parts of California and other states in the American West have been experiencing severe heat and drought in recent months, with the National Park Service forecasting that the upcoming week in Southern California would be the hottest of the summer so far.