French tourist dies after getting stranded in Death Valley heat

A 68-year-old French tourist, Pierre Michel Formosa, was found dead in California’s Death Valley after becoming stranded when his vehicle got stuck in mud, the National Park Service said. Park rangers and police located Formosa following a brief search and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Formosa and a French travelling companion were driving on West Side Road when their vehicle became immobilized. The pair attempted to walk across the salt flats to seek help, but Formosa was unable to continue after about 1.3 miles as severe heat impaired him, the park said.

The travelling companion flagged down a passing driver who alerted authorities, and rangers and police later discovered Formosa that afternoon. Death Valley National Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds described the situation as a reminder of how quickly conditions can turn dangerous in the park.

An extreme heat warning is in effect across Death Valley, which the park notes has recorded historical temperatures as high as 57C (134F) in 1913. Forecasters at the National Weather Service had warned Southern California could experience its hottest week of the summer.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The available information notes that Formosa and a companion became stranded when their vehicle got stuck on West Side Road, they walked across salt flats, Formosa could not continue after 1.3 miles, a companion obtained help from a passing driver, and rangers and police later found him and pronounced him dead.

Superintendent Mike Reynolds provided an official park statement emphasizing the rapid danger posed by Death Valley’s heat. Coroners will determine the precise cause and manner of death, according to the park.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Pierre Michel Formosa, 68, was found dead after his car became stuck in mud on West Side Road in Death Valley.
• He and a travelling companion walked across salt flats; Formosa could not continue after about 1.3 miles and a companion alerted authorities.
• An extreme heat warning was in effect across Death Valley at the time; coroners will determine cause and manner of death.