French tourist dies after getting stranded in Death Valley National Park

A French tourist has died after getting stranded in a national park as temperatures reached 116 degrees Fahrenheit (46C).

Pierre Michel Formosa, 68, and his fellow traveler, both from France, were driving along West Side Road in California’s Death Valley National Park when their car got stuck in mud near Queen of Sheba Mine Road on Aug. 17.

With no other vehicles nearby, the two men set off on foot across the salt flats toward Badwater Road to seek help.

After walking about 1.3 miles in the blazing temperatures, Mr. Formosa was unable to go any further. His companion continued toward Badwater Road, where a passing driver eventually rescued him.

He reported the situation to park officials at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center shortly after 2 p.m.

National Park Service rangers and an Inyo County deputy launched a search and rescue operation for Formosa. Joined by a California Highway Patrol helicopter, searchers located the man later that afternoon, roughly 1.5 miles from Badwater Road.

He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Inyo County coroner will determine the official cause and manner of death.

"Our deepest condolences are with the family and friends of the visitor who died," said Death Valley National Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds.

"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."

Death Valley dangers

Death Valley National Park encompasses expansive, isolated terrain where cell phone service is sparse or non-existent, and emergency assistance can take hours to arrive.

Park officials urge all visitors to take these steps before setting out: