Tragedy as tourist, 68, dies after car gets stuck in mud on remote road in Death Valley during 46C temperatures

A TOURIST has tragically died after his car got stuck in mud on a remote road in Death Valley. Pierre Michel Formosa, 68, and his travel companion were left stranded in the California desert when their vehicle became stuck. Pierre Michel Formosa Death Valley National Park, California Credit: Getty Temperatures breached 46C on August 17 Credit: Getty The pair from France were were left with no choice but to to walk across the salt flats to seek help, the National Park Service said. With temperatures breaching 46C on August 17, after a short time Formosa was unable to continue and so his companion went on alone. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Sadly by the time the victim’s friend secured assistance at a national park visitor centre and a search was launched, Formosa had died. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Death Valley National Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds said: “Our deepest condolences are with the family and friends of the visitor who died. “This is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly conditions here can turn dangerous. “Death Valley is an extraordinary place, but its heat, distances, and remoteness can be dangerous, regardless of experience. “We’re grateful to everyone who took part in the search, and our thoughts are with his loved ones.” Most read in The Sun The Inyo County coroner will determine the cause and manner of death. Prior to the tragic discovery, his companion flagged down a passing motorist for help after which he helped report the emergency at the Furnace Creek Visitor Centre shortly after 2 p.m. A rescue operation launched immediately, deploying helicopters and multiple ground units. Death Valley is a desert in eastern California. The World Meteorological Organisation lists it as the place with the hottest ground temperature ever recorded on Earth. It is located in the Mojave Desert in California, got its name from pioneers who got lost in the area. After their near-death experience in the 1800’s, one of the men in the group nicknamed the area Death Valley. One proclaimed “goodbye, Death Valley,” and a name was formed. In 2020, a travel writer, named Claire Nelson, broke her pelvis while hiking alone in Joshua Tree, an area four hours south of Death Valley. She survived for days with little food and water and was forced to drink her own urine. More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us on TikTok @TheSun. 1 comment1