[REVISION HISTORY]

Death Valley tourist death in extreme heat

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2026-08-25 04:44 UTC → 2026-08-25 09:56 UTC · added ~~removed~~

A 68-year-old French tourist, Pierre Michel Formosa, died in Death Valley National Park after becoming stranded in extreme heat. The incident occurred on August 17 when Formosa and a companion became stuck in mud on a remote ~~road~~ section of West Side Road near the Queen of Sheba Mine Road. With temperatures reaching approximately 46 to 47 degrees Celsius (116 degrees Fahrenheit) and no cellular service available, the two men attempted to walk across the salt flats toward Badwater Road to find assistance. Formosa was unable to continue after walking roughly 1.3 to 2 ~~kilometers.~~ kilometers (approximately 1.3 miles). His companion successfully reached the road and was assisted by a passing motorist. A search and rescue operation involving National Park Service rangers, an Inyo County deputy, and a California Highway Patrol helicopter located Formosa, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Inyo County coroner will determine the official cause and manner of death. Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds described the event as a “heartbreaking reminder” of how quickly desert conditions can become life-threatening due to extreme heat, isolation, and vast distances, noting that danger can arise regardless of a visitor’s experience level.

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