A French tourist died in Death Valley National Park on Monday after their vehicle became stuck in mud along a remote road while traveling with a companion amid extreme Mojave Desert heat.
After Pierre Michel Formosa, 68, and his travel companion, both from France, became stranded in the remote California desert, the pair began walking across the salt flats to seek help because there were no other vehicles in the area, the National Park Service said in a news release.
With temperatures reaching 116 degrees on Aug. 17, Formosa was unable to continue just over a mile into the trek for help.
His companion continued on and eventually encountered a passing motorist, who helped him report the incident at one of the national park’s visitor centers shortly after 2 p.m.
National Park Service rangers and local and state first responders launched a search and rescue operation shortly afterward and later located Formosa.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Inyo County coroner will determine the cause and manner of death, according to the press release.
“Our deepest condolences are with the family and friends of the visitor who died,” Death Valley National Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds said.
“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.”
“We’re grateful to everyone who took part in the search, and our thoughts are with his loved ones,” Reynolds continued.
