French Tourist Dies After Vehicle Breaks Down in Death Valley Heat
A 68-year-old French visitor died after his car became stuck in mud in Death Valley National Park, where he was found dead following a search in 116-degree weather.
A 68-year-old French visitor to California died on Monday after his vehicle became immobilized on West Side Road in Death Valley National Park. Pierre Michel Formosa and another French driver were traveling near Queen of Sheba Mine Road when the car sank in mud, prompting them to walk about 1.3 miles across salt flats for help. Formosa was unable to continue, and the companion proceeded alone, eventually reaching Badwater Road where a passing motorist reported the incident to park officials.
Park Service rangers, an Inyo County deputy and a California Highway Patrol helicopter began a search at 2:13 p.m. The body was recovered later that afternoon about one and a half miles from Badwater Road. The Inyo County coroner will determine the cause and manner of death.
"Our deepest condolences are with the family and friends of the visitor who died," said Mike Reynolds, superintendent of Death Valley National Park. "This is a 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."
The incident adds to a series of heat-related fatalities in the park, where temperatures have regularly exceeded 120 degrees since 2020. The region is currently facing another forecasted week of extreme heat.