Death Valley National Park Visitor Dies After Vehicle Got Stuck

Death Valley National Park announced yesterday that a visitor from France has died after his vehicle became stuck in mud and he attempted to walk across the salt flats in 116°F heat to get help. The 68-year-old man, Pierre Michel Formosa, was with a friend who survived the ordeal.

A press release issued by the National Park Service (NPS) says the two Frenchmen were driving on a remote road inside the park when they became stranded.

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“With no other vehicles in the area, the men began walking across the salt flats toward Badwater Road to seek assistance,” NPS said. “Temperatures reached 116°F that day. After about 1.3 miles, the man was unable to continue. His companion continued toward Badwater Road, where he eventually received assistance from a passing motorist and reported the incident at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center shortly after 2 p.m.”

A search-and-rescue operation unfortunately found Formosa dead about 1.5 miles from Badwater Road. NPS calls the incident “a heartbreaking reminder” of how quickly conditions in Death Valley can turn dangerous. 

This situation is still evolving, and details may change.

Header stock image by mphillips007/Getty Images

Read more facts about the national parks:

• Great Smoky Mountain National Park
• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Isle Royale National Park
• Big Bend National Park
• Zion National Park
• Voyageurs National Park
• Glacier National Park
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Grand Canyon National Park
• Dry Tortugas National Park
• Yosemite National Park

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