French Tourist Dies in Death Valley Heatwave After Vehicle Stuck

A 68-year-old French tourist has died after becoming stranded in California's Death Valley, where temperatures soared to 116 degrees Fahrenheit during an ongoing extreme heatwave. Pierre Michel Formosa was found dead on August 17, 2026, after he and a traveling companion became stuck in mud while driving on West Side Road in the remote national park. According to the National Park Service, the pair's vehicle became immobilized on the afternoon of August 17. With no other cars passing, they decided to walk across the salt flats to seek help. After approximately 1.3 miles, the severe heat forced Formosa to stop.