Jump to contentAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are seen on June 10, 2026 in Death Valley National Park, California (Getty)Pierre Michel Formosa, a 68-year-old French tourist, died in California's Death Valley National Park after becoming stranded in 116-degree Fahrenheit heat. Formosa and a traveling companion were forced to walk across salt flats on August 17 after their vehicle became stuck in mud near Queen of Sheba Mine Road. Formosa collapsed after walking about 1.3 miles, while his companion continued ahead until a passing driver rescued him and alerted park rangers. A search and rescue team located Formosa roughly 1.5 miles from Badwater Road, where he was pronounced dead at the scene. Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds warned visitors about the park's extreme hazards: high temperatures, remote distances, and no cell service. In fullTourist dies after car gets stuck in mud at Death Valley National ParkMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Death Valley nightmare as tourist dies after car gets trapped in 116-degree heat
Jump to contentAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are seen on June 10, 2026 in Death Valley National Park, California (Getty)Pierre Michel Formosa, a 68-year-old French tourist, died in California's Death Valley National Park after becoming stranded in 116-degree Fahrenheit heat. Formosa and a traveling companion were forced to walk across salt flats on August 17 after their vehicle became stuck in mud near Queen of Sheba Mine Road. Formosa collapsed after walking about 1.3 miles, while his companion continued ahead until a passing driver rescued him and alerted park rangers. A search and rescue team located Formosa roughly 1.5 miles from Badwater Road, where he was pronounced dead at the scene. Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds warned visitors about the park's extreme hazards: high temperatures, remote distances, and no cell service. In fullTourist dies after car gets stuck in mud at Death Valley National ParkMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
