French tourist dies in Death Valley after car gets stuck in mud

A 68-year-old French tourist, Pierre Michel Formosa, died in Death Valley National Park, California, after his car became stuck in mud on West Side Road. He was found on the salt flats amid extreme temperatures of 116°F (46.6°C). Formosa and his travelling companion attempted to walk across the salt flats to seek help, but he was unable to continue after 1.3 miles due to the severe heat. His companion successfully flagged down another driver, leading to rangers and police locating Formosa, who was pronounced dead. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangerous conditions in Death Valley.

A 68-year-old French tourist, Pierre Michel Formosa, died in Death Valley National Park after his car became stuck in mud on a remote road. Formosa and his companion, also French, walked approximately 1.3 miles in 116°F (47°C) heat seeking help. Formosa was unable to continue, while his companion reached Badwater Road and secured assistance from a passing driver. Park rangers and a sheriff's deputy initiated a search and rescue operation, locating Formosa deceased about 1.5 miles from Badwater Road. The National Park Service is reminding the public of the extreme dangers posed by Death Valley's heat, vastness, and remoteness.