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

A 68-year-old French tourist died while crossing Death Valley National Park after the vehicle he was traveling in became trapped in mud in temperatures reaching 47 degrees Celsius

A 68-year-old French tourist died while crossing Death Valley National Park in California after the vehicle he was traveling in became trapped in mud as temperatures reached 47 degrees Celsius.

The man, identified as Pierre Michel Formosa, was traveling with another French citizen when the two decided to leave the vehicle and continue on foot toward Badwater Road, a popular tourist destination, in search of help. After walking for more than 2 kilometers under the sun, Formosa stopped while his companion continued alone toward Badwater Road, where he was assisted by a passing motorist.

According to the U.S. National Park Service, Formosa was located during a large-scale search-and-rescue operation that also involved a California Highway Patrol helicopter. He was found about 2.5 kilometers from Badwater Road.

Rescuers could only confirm his death.

“This is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly conditions here can become dangerous,” said Mike Reynolds, director of Death Valley National Park, as he offered his “deepest condolences” to the tourist’s family and friends.

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(Photo: © AndKronos)