The short version
- Pierre Michel Formosa died after being stranded in 116-degree heat while traveling on a remote road in Death Valley National Park.
- His companion sought help from a passing driver, prompting a search and rescue operation that located Formosa near Badwater Road.
- Park officials emphasize the dangers of limited cell service, vast distances, and extreme temperatures for visitors attempting backcountry travel.
A French tourist died in Death Valley National Park after his vehicle became immobilized in mud during a period of extreme heat. The victim, identified as 68-year-old Pierre Michel Formosa, was traveling with another French national along the park’s remote West Side Road when their car got stuck near Queen of Sheba Mine Road. With no other vehicles in sight and temperatures reaching 116 degrees Fahrenheit, the pair attempted to walk across salt flats toward Badwater Road to find assistance.
After covering approximately 1.3 miles, Formosa was unable to continue walking. His companion pressed on toward Badwater Road and eventually flagged down a passing driver for help. The companion then reported Formosa’s situation at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center shortly after 2 p.m., triggering an emergency response from park authorities.
Park rangers and an Inyo County sheriff’s deputy initiated a search and rescue operation around 2:15 p.m. A California Highway Patrol helicopter joined the effort later that afternoon, locating Formosa about 1.5 miles from Badwater Road. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Inyo County coroner is responsible for determining the official cause and manner of death, though park officials have highlighted the severe environmental conditions as a critical factor.
Mike Reynolds, the superintendent of Death Valley National Park, expressed condolences to Formosa’s family and friends. He described the incident as a sobering reminder of how rapidly conditions in the park can become hazardous. Reynolds noted that while Death Valley is an extraordinary destination, its intense heat, vast distances, and isolation pose significant dangers regardless of a visitor’s experience level.
Death Valley, located near the California-Nevada border, is renowned for its extreme temperatures. The park recorded the highest temperature ever measured on Earth, 134 degrees Fahrenheit, in Furnace Creek in July 1913. Current summer conditions continue to reflect this historical intensity, with recent readings exceeding 115 degrees Fahrenheit in various parts of the park.
The National Park Service frequently warns visitors about the challenges of navigating Death Valley’s terrain. The park spans approximately 3.4 million acres, making it the largest national park in the contiguous United States. Cell phone service is often limited or entirely unavailable in many areas, and emergency assistance can take hours to arrive due to the remoteness of certain locations.
Officials recommend several precautions for anyone planning to visit the area. Travelers are advised to plan routes in advance, check road and weather conditions before departing, and ensure their vehicles are suitable for backcountry roads, which often require high clearance or four-wheel drive. Carrying at least one gallon of water per person per day is essential, along with extra supplies for potential vehicle emergencies.
Additional safety measures include carrying a satellite communicator or emergency beacon and staying with a disabled vehicle if possible, as it can provide shade and shelter. Visitors are also urged to stick to paved roads and avoid hiking at lower elevations during periods of extreme heat. These guidelines aim to mitigate risks associated with the park’s harsh environment.
This incident occurs amid a broader pattern of heat-related fatalities in U.S. national parks this summer. July was recorded as the hottest month ever in the country, with several hikers dying in suspected heat-related cases. In June alone, the National Park Service reported three apparent heat-related deaths in Grand Canyon National Park, involving victims aged 67 to 72.
As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, heatwaves have become more frequent and intense across the United States. The death of Formosa underscores the urgent need for visitors to respect the power of extreme weather and prepare adequately for outdoor activities in high-risk environments. Park officials remain committed to educating the public about these dangers to prevent future tragedies.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian US↗French tourist dies in California’s Death Valley after being stranded in heat
