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

Notably, a French tourist has died in California's Death Valley after becoming stranded on the side of the road during 46.6C (116F) heat.

Key points

• "This is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly conditions here can turn dangerous, " Death Valley National Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds remarked in an official note.
• Formosa was driving through Death Valley with his French travelling companion last Monday when their vehicle became stuck in mud on West Side Road.
• Forecasters at the National Weather Service projected Southern California would experience its "hottest week of summer so far", the bureau stated in a recent statement.
• At least four hikers died in June while trekking through the Grand Canyon, state authorities documented in Arizona.
• Soaring temperatures throughout the United States have caused millions of residents to sweat through record heatwaves, leading to dozens of heat-related deaths.

Police discovered 68-year-old Pierre Michel Formosa lately after a brief search, with the National Park service saying he died while trying to seek assist in the blistering heat when his car obtained stuck in mud.

Notably, the pair sought support by walking throughout the salt flats, before severe heat prevented the 68-year-old from continuing after 1.3 miles, according to the Death Valley National Park.

Meanwhile, the travelling companion managed to hail down a nearby driver, before rangers and police discovered Formosa afterwards that afternoon where he was pronounced dead.

"Death Valley is an extraordinary place, but its heat, distances, and remoteness can be dangerous, regardless of experience, " Reynolds remarked.

"We're grateful to everyone who took part in the search, and our thoughts are with his loved ones."

Coroners would determine the cause and manner of his death, the national park remarked.

Notably, an extreme heat warning is at present in effect throughout Death Valley. It brands itself as the "hottest place on Earth", according to its official website, having recorded a global high of 57C (134F) in 1913.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service projected Southern California would experience its "hottest week of summer so far", the bureau stated in a recent statement. Record heatwaves have endangered tourists visiting US landmarks throughout the summer.

For now, french tourist dies in Death Valley after car gets stuck in mud remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.