Tourist dies in Death Valley after car gets stuck in the mud

Milo Pope | Live News reporter Published August 24, 2026 3:09pm Updated August 24, 2026 3:15pm Temperatures in Death Valley in California have reached up to 57°C (Picture: Getty Images) A French tourist has died in California’s Death Valley after the vehicle he was driving became stuck in the mud in 47°C temperatures. Pierre Michel Formosa, 68, was with a companion when their vehicle became stuck in extreme heat on Monday, the National Park Service said. The pair then set off on foot across the desert towards Badwater Road, which is one of the park’s main routes, to find help. However, Formosa was said to be unable to continue and stopped around 1.3 miles into the journey. Officials then revealed that his companion managed to reach the road at around 2pm and flagged down a passing driver.