"No One to Help"... French Tourist in His 60s Dies in the 'Hottest Place on Earth'

Death Valley, Notorious for Extreme Heat

Trapped Sweltering Air and Minimal Rainfall

The recent death of a French tourist in his 60s has been belatedly reported in Death Valley, California, a region notorious for its scorching summer heat.

"Death Valley: Unique, But Extremely Dangerous"

Death Valley, California. Photo by AP Yonhap News

According to CBS and other international media outlets on August 24 (local time), Pierre Michel Formosa, a 68-year-old French tourist, died after becoming stranded during his visit to Death Valley National Park on the 17th.

Earlier, Formosa and his companion were traveling by car when their vehicle became stuck in mud in a remote area, leaving them stranded. The two got out of the car and walked about 1.3 miles (2.1 kilometers) to seek help, but could not find anyone nearby. At the time, daytime temperatures soared to 116 degrees Fahrenheit (about 46.7 degrees Celsius), and the road reportedly offered no shade.

Eventually, when Formosa was no longer able to walk, his companion continued alone. The companion was later rescued safely after encountering a driver. Shortly thereafter, the National Park Service launched a search and found Formosa's body at the scene. The exact cause of death has not yet been released.

Mike Reynolds, Superintendent of Death Valley National Park, expressed his condolences to Formosa’s family and friends and urged extra caution for all Death Valley visitors. In a statement, he emphasized, "This heartbreaking incident shows how quickly situations can turn dangerous," and warned, "Death Valley is a very unique place. The temperatures, vast distances, and remote environment here can be extremely dangerous, regardless of one’s experience level."

Six Deaths from Extreme Heat Since 2020

Located in California's Mojave Desert, Death Valley is considered the hottest place on Earth. The area has the lowest elevation in North America and is surrounded by steep mountains, causing intense heat to accumulate in the basin. Rainfall is scarce, making it an extremely dry region. In fact, in July 1913, a temperature of 134 degrees Fahrenheit (about 56.7 degrees Celsius) was recorded within the national park.

Fatalities due to extreme heat continue to occur. Since 2020, six people have died in Death Valley, and most of them were reportedly over 60 years old.

Meanwhile, Formosa’s death occurred as parts of the western United States have been experiencing severe heat waves and drought over recent months. The National Park Service expects this week to be the hottest of the summer so far in Southern California.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.