Tourist dies after car gets stuck in mud at Death Valley National Park

His travel companion called for help after reaching National Park Service rangers but it was too late

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

The 68-year-old man was found dead in California's salt flats amid 116°F (46.6C) heat.

Man, 68, was left searching for help in 116F weather after his car became stuck in mud along remote park road A French tourist recently died in Death Valley national park after a car mishap left him stranded in 116F (47C) weather. The visitor, identified as 68-year-old Pierre Michel Formosa, was traveling with another

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.

A 68-year-old French tourist died in Death Valley National Park last week after becoming trapped in 116-degree temperatures.

A French tourist died last week in California’s Death Valley after the vehicle he was in got stuck in mud and he ventured away for help amid temperatures that reached 116 degrees, officials said.

The incident happened on a remote road in California's Death Valley as Pierre Michel Formosa was left stranded in the desert with a friend

With temperatures reaching 116 degrees on Aug. 17, the man was unable to continue just over a mile into the trek.