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. His companion continued alone, eventually flagged down a motorist, and reported the incident at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center.

A search and rescue operation involving park rangers, an Inyo County deputy, and a California Highway Patrol helicopter was launched immediately. Formosa was located by the helicopter team later that afternoon and was pronounced dead at the scene. An Inyo County coroner will determine the official cause and manner of death.

"This is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly conditions here can turn dangerous," Death Valley National Park...