Man Dies After Vehicle Gets Stranded in Death Valley, Attempts Trek Across Blistering Salt Flats
The National Park Service said the 68-year-old was found dead after walking 1.3 miles for help in 116-degree heat.
- On August 17, 68-year-old French tourist Pierre Michel Formosa died in Death Valley National Park after his vehicle became stuck in mud near Queen of Sheba Mine Road, forcing an attempt to walk to safety.
- Temperatures soared to 116°F as Formosa and his companion trekked across salt flats toward Badwater Road; after traveling about 1.3 miles on foot, Formosa was unable to continue in extreme heat.
- His companion reached the Furnace Creek Visitor Center at around 2 p.m. to alert authorities; a search involving National Park Service rangers, an Inyo County deputy, and a California Highway Patrol helicopter located Formosa about 1.5 miles from Badwater Road.
- The National Park Service confirmed Formosa was pronounced dead at the scene; Death Valley National Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds stated, "This is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly conditions here can turn dangerous."
- This incident follows other deaths at national parks this summer, including an 18-year-old hiker who died from heat-related symptoms at the Grand Canyon and rock climber Jake Whisenant at Sequoia National Park.
11 Articles
11 Articles
French tourist gets stranded 116F heat in Death Valley but his heroic walk across the salt flats ended in sorrow
A French tourist lost his life in California after becoming stranded in the extreme heat of Death Valley National Park. The National Park Service confirmed the death of 68-year-old Pierre Michel Formosa, marking a somber end to what should have been an adventurous trip. As reported by NY Times, the incident began when Formosa and his travel companion, who is also a French national, were reportedly driving along West Side Road. However, their veh…
French tourist dies in Death Valley after car gets stuck in mud
A French tourist has died in California’s Death Valley after becoming stranded on the side of the road during 46.6C (116F) heat. Police found 68-year-old Pierre Michel Formosa recently following a brief search, with the National Park service saying he died while trying to seek help in the blistering heat when his car got stuck in mud. “This is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly conditions here can turn dangerous,” Death Valley National Park…
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