A French tourist has died in California’s Death Valley after the vehicle he was travelling in became stuck in mud during a period of extreme heat.
Pierre Michel Formosa, 68, was with a companion when their vehicle became stuck on Monday, according to the National Park Service.
The pair then set off on foot across the desert salt flats towards Badwater Road, one of the park’s main routes, to find help.
But Formosa was unable to continue and stopped around 1.3 miles into the journey, officials said.
His companion managed to reach the road at around 2pm and flagged down a passing driver, prompting a search for Formosa.
Park rangers and a California Highway Patrol helicopter were involved in the search.
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Formosa’s body was found later that afternoon, around 1.5 miles from Badwater Road.
The temperature had reached 47°C in Death Valley at the time.
Death Valley National Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds offered his condolences to Formosa’s family.
‘This is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly conditions here can turn dangerous,’ he said.
The National Weather Service had issued an extreme heat warning for the area, with temperatures expected to remain between 46°C to 48°C.
A high of 48°C was forecast for Wednesday.
The park service has urged visitors to stick to paved roads during extreme heat and carry plenty of water, as well as satellite phones or emergency beacons.
‘Death Valley is an extraordinary place,’ Reynolds said, ‘but its heat, distances, and remoteness can be dangerous, regardless of experience.’
