World News
French tourist dies in Death Valley after vehicle gets stuck in mud
A 68-year-old traveler died after attempting to cross salt flats in 116-degree heat when his car became stranded.
The short version
- Pierre Michel Formosa, a 68-year-old French national, died in Death Valley National Park after his vehicle became stuck in mud on West Side Road.
- Formosa and his travel companion attempted to walk across salt flats in temperatures reaching 116°F to seek help before Formosa became unable to continue.
- A California Highway Patrol helicopter located Formosa's body approximately 1.5 miles from Badwater Road following an alert from a passing motorist.
- The official cause and manner of death remain under investigation by the Inyo County coroner.
Key facts
- Pierre Michel Formosa, a 68-year-old French national, died in Death Valley National Park on Aug. 17, with the National Park Service announcing his death on Aug. 21.[Fox News]
- The incident occurred after Formosa's vehicle became stuck in mud on West Side Road along Badwater Basin.[Fox News]
- Formosa and his companion attempted to walk across the salt flats toward Badwater Road to find assistance in temperatures reaching 116 degrees Fahrenheit.[Fox News]
- Formosa's companion reached Badwater Road, received aid from a motorist, and alerted the Furnace Creek Visitor Center around 2 p.m.[Fox News]
- A California Highway Patrol helicopter located Formosa deceased about 1.5 miles from Badwater Road later that afternoon.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- The exact cause and manner of Formosa's death have not yet been determined and await findings from the Inyo County coroner.[Fox News]