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French tourist dies in Death Valley heat
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
A 68-year-old French tourist died in Death Valley after his car got stuck in mud and.
The death highlights the extreme dangers of heat and remote terrain in national parks.
Background
Death Valley National Park is known for extreme summer temperatures, remote terrain, and limited cell service. The tourist and his companion were driving on a remote road when their car got stuck in mud, prompting them to walk for help. The incident occurred during a period of extreme heat warnings in the area.
How it unfolded
- Aug 17, 2026Pierre Michel Formosa and his companion got stuck in mud on West Side Road. They walked across salt flats; Formosa stopped after about 1.3 miles.
- Aug 17, 2026 14:00The companion reported the incident after being helped by a passing driver. Rangers and a deputy began a search, joined by a helicopter.
- Aug 17, 2026The helicopter found Formosa about 1.5 miles from Badwater Road; he was pronounced dead at the scene.
- Aug 21, 2026The National Park Service issued a news release about the death.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Death Valley National Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds said, 'This is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly conditions here can turn dangerous.'
- Official
- The National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning, warning of 'dangerously hot conditions' with highs expected in the 115-118 range.