French Tourist Succumbs to Heat in Death Valley After Car Gets Stuck


Death Valley Salt Flats
The 68‑year‑old was found dead around the salt flats of Death Valley.

A 68‑year‑old French tourist, Pierre Michel Formosa, was found dead near Badwater Basin in California’s Death Valley following a brief search by law enforcement. Police discovered him after his car became stuck in mud on a remote road. 


The pair attempted to walk across the salt flats to seek help, but the relentless heat—recorded at 46.6 °C (116 °F)—stopped Formosa after just 1.3 miles of travel. 


A traveling companion was able to hail a motorist to bring aid, and soon thereafter rangers and police located Formosa later that afternoon, where he was pronounced dead. 


Death Valley Superintendent Mike Reynolds called the incident “a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly conditions can turn dangerous,” noting that the park’s extreme heat, remoteness, and distances can pose serious risks even to experienced visitors. 


Remnants of the National Park Service and local authorities are still investigating the exact cause and manner of death. The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning across the area, warning that Southern California could see its hottest week of summer so far. 


Death Valley, known as the “hottest place on Earth,” recorded historic highs of 57 °C (134 °F) in 1913, highlighting how dangerous it can be during extreme summer heat. 


The tragedy follows other recent heat‑related incidents, including four hikers who died in the Grand Canyon in June due to scorching temperatures.