A French tourist died in Death Valley, California, in temperatures reaching 47°C, according to the National Park Service.
The vehicle driven by Pierre Michel Formosa, 68, got stuck in the mud on August 17. The tourist was accompanied by a man, also French. The two hikers then decided to leave the car to find help, but Pierre Michel Formosa found himself unable to continue beyond two kilometers.
The second man continued walking and encountered a motorist, who alerted the authorities.
“A heartbreaking reminder”
A team of rescuers began searching for Pierre Michel Formosa, who was pronounced dead at the scene, the National Park Service said Friday.
“It’s a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly conditions can become dangerous here.”said Death Valley Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds. He described “an extraordinary place”but, he warned, “heat, distance and isolation can be dangerous”.
Death Valley, located more than 300 km northeast of Los Angeles, claims lives every year, despite repeated warnings from park authorities who advise people to prepare their trip well before venturing into such a hostile environment.
