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Death Valley: French tourist dies after vehicle gets stuck in extreme heat
A 68-year-old French tourist, Pierre Michel Formosa, died in California’s Death Valley National Park after his vehicle became stuck in mud during extreme heat. The incident occurred on August 17 while Formosa and a traveling companion were driving on West Side Road near the Queen of Sheba Mine Road.
With temperatures reaching approximately 116 degrees Fahrenheit (46.6 degrees Celsius), the two men attempted to walk across the salt flats to seek help. After walking roughly 1.3 miles, Formosa was unable to continue. His companion managed to flag down a passing motorist and report the emergency at a visitor center.
A search and rescue operation involving National Park Service rangers, an Inyo County deputy, and a California Highway Patrol helicopter located Formosa later that afternoon. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Inyo County Coroner’s Office is investigating the exact cause and manner of death. Death Valley National Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds issued a statement describing the event as a ‘heartbreaking reminder’ of how quickly conditions in the park can become dangerous due to extreme heat, remoteness, and limited cellular service.
Entities
California Highway Patrol · Death Valley National Park · Inyo County · Mike Reynolds · National Park Service · Pierre Michel Formosa
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Temperatures reached 116 degrees Fahrenheit on the day of the incident. abc11.com · abc7.com · abc7ny.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] A helicopter located Formosa on the afternoon of the incident, where he was pronounced dead. abc11.com · abc7.com · abc7ny.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Pierre Michel Formosa, a 68-year-old French tourist, died in Death Valley National Park on August 17. abc11.com · abc7.com · abc7ny.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] A search and rescue operation was conducted by National Park Service rangers, an Inyo County deputy, and a California Highway Patrol helicopter. abc11.com · abc7.com · abc7ny.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Formosa was unable to walk further after approximately 1.3 miles. abc11.com · abc7.com · abc7ny.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Formosa and a travel companion became stranded in a remote area after their vehicle got stuck in mud. abc11.com · abc7.com · abc7ny.com