French tourist dies after vehicle stalls in Death Valley amid extreme heat
A 68-year-old French visitor died in Death Valley when his car became stuck in mud and he was unable to reach help in temperatures that reached 116 °F.
A French tourist, 68, died in Death Valley National Park after his vehicle became immobilized in mud and he attempted to walk for assistance in extreme heat. The man and a companion were traveling on the desert salt flats when the car stalled, prompting them to head on foot toward Badwater Road, a main paved route in the park. He stopped about 1.3 miles into the trek, and his companion reached the road and flagged down a driver around 2 p.m., initiating a search that involved park rangers and a California Highway Patrol helicopter. Search teams recovered the man's body later that afternoon, roughly 1.5 miles from Badwater Road.
Death Valley National Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds expressed condolences to the family and warned that conditions can become dangerous quickly. The National Weather Service had issued an extreme heat warning for the area, forecasting temperatures between 115 °F and 118 °F through Tuesday, with a high of 119 °F expected Wednesday. Park officials continue to advise visitors to remain on paved roads during extreme heat, carry satellite communication devices, and carry ample water.
"This is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly conditions here can turn dangerous," Reynolds said.
"Death Valley is an extraordinary place, but its heat, distances, and remoteness can be dangerous, regardless of experience," he added.