French Tourist Dies in Death Valley After Vehicle Gets Stuck

A 68-year-old French tourist, Pierre Michel Formosa, died in California's Death Valley National Park after his vehicle became stuck in mud and he attempted to walk for help in 116-degree heat.

Formosa and a companion were driving along West Side Road near Queen of Sheba Mine Road when their vehicle got stuck, according to the National Park Service. The remote location sits near a hiking trail in a historic mining area in the southern reaches of the park.

Faced with extreme conditions, the two individuals attempted to cross approximately 1.3 miles of salt flats on foot toward Badwater Road to seek assistance. Formosa was unable to continue the trek and stopped along the way, while his companion proceeded forward.

The companion reached Badwater Road around 2 p.m. and flagged down a passing motorist, who helped report the emergency at a nearby visitor center. Emergency responders launched a search operation shortly after at 2:13 p.m., involving National Park Service rangers, an Inyo County deputy, and a California Highway Patrol helicopter.

Searchers located Formosa's body later that afternoon about 1.5 miles away from Badwater Road, where he was pronounced dead on the scene. The Inyo County coroner will determine the exact cause and manner of death.

National Park Service officials expressed their condolences following the incident, highlighting the severe environmental hazards present in the region.

"Our deepest condolences are with the family and friends of the visitor who died," said Mike Reynolds, superintendent of Death Valley National Park. "This is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly conditions here can turn dangerous. Death Valley is an extraordinary place, but its heat, distances, and remoteness can be dangerous, regardless of experience."

The death occurred as weather forecasters issued an extreme heat warning for the region through Sunday night. The National Weather Service warned of dangerously hot conditions, predicting temperatures to range between 115 and 118 degrees on Monday and Tuesday, reaching a high of 119 degrees on Wednesday.

Park officials urged visitors to remain on paved roads during extreme temperatures, carry satellite communications devices, and maintain an ample supply of drinking water.