25.08.2026 13:40
A French tourist died after being stranded on the roadside in Death Valley, California, USA, in 47-degree heat.
Law enforcement officials announced that they found the lifeless body of 68-year-old Pierre Michel Formosa.
The National Park Service said Formosa died while trying to seek help in the scorching heat after his vehicle became stuck in the mud.
Death Valley National Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds stated that this was a "heartbreaking reminder of how quickly conditions here can become dangerous."
Dozens of people have died across the United States due to rising temperatures.
VEHICLE STUCK IN MUD, HE LOST HIS LIFE WHILE SEEKING HELP
Formosa was crossing Death Valley last Monday with his French travel companion when their vehicle became stuck in the mud.
According to Death Valley National Park, the two began walking across the salt flats to seek help, but the extreme heat prevented the 68-year-old Formosa from continuing after walking about 2 km.
His travel companion managed to stop a passing driver. Rangers and police later found Formosa lifeless that same afternoon.
"IT CAN BE DANGEROUS EVEN FOR THE MOST EXPERIENCED PEOPLE"
Reynolds said, "Death Valley is an extraordinary place, but its heat, distances, and remote location can be dangerous even for the most experienced people. We are grateful to everyone involved in the search efforts and extend our condolences to the family."
The national park said the cause and manner of death will be determined by the coroner.
EXTREME HEAT WARNING IN DEATH VALLEY
An extreme heat warning is currently in effect in Death Valley, described on the official website as "the hottest place on Earth."
In 1913, a temperature of 57 °C was recorded in the region, which was a world record at the time.
This summer is also one of the hottest in the region's history.
HEAT WAVES THREATEN TOURISTS
Record-breaking heat waves have endangered tourists visiting iconic U.S. landmarks throughout the summer.
Arizona state officials reported that at least four people died while hiking in the Grand Canyon in June.