A French tourist has died in California’s Death Valley after becoming stranded amid record-breaking temperatures reaching 46.6°C (116°F).
Authorities located 68-year-old Pierre Michel Formosa following a brief search, as the National Park Service confirmed he passed away while attempting to find assistance in the intense heat after his vehicle became stuck in mud.
“This is a heartbreaking reminder of how swiftly conditions can become perilous here,” said Death Valley National Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds in a statement.
Rising temperatures throughout the United States have led to millions enduring record-setting heatwaves, resulting in numerous heat-related fatalities.
Formosa was traveling through Death Valley with a fellow French visitor last Monday when their car became mired in mud along West Side Road.
The two individuals attempted to walk across the salt flats in search of help. However, the extreme heat forced the 68-year-old to stop after covering 1.3 miles, as reported by Death Valley National Park officials.
His travel companion was able to flag down a passing motorist, after which park rangers and law enforcement discovered Formosa later that afternoon, where he was pronounced deceased.
“Death Valley offers remarkable beauty, but visitors must remain vigilant, as its intense heat, expansive distances, and isolated terrain pose risks regardless of experience,” Reynolds emphasized.
“Our appreciation goes out to all those involved in the search effort, and our condolences extend to his family during this difficult time.”
The coroner will determine the official cause and manner of death, according to the national park service.
An extreme heat advisory remains active across Death Valley, which markets itself as the “hottest place on Earth” and holds the record for the highest reliably measured surface temperature globally — 57°C (134°F) in 1913.
The National Weather Service recently announced that Southern California is bracing for what could be the most intense heatwave of the season thus far.
Record-breaking temperatures have increasingly endangered travelers exploring iconic U.S. destinations during the summer months.
In June alone, at least four hikers lost their lives while traversing the Grand Canyon, according to Arizona state authorities.