French Tourist Dies After Getting Stranded In 116-Degree Death Valley Heat
Pierre Michel Formosa, 68, a French tourist, died after collapsing while walking across Death Valley's salt flats in 116-degree heat on Monday, August 17, 2026, near Badwater Road in Death Valley National Park.[1]
Formosa collapsed after roughly 1.3 miles, and his companion reached Badwater Road and reported the incident just after 2 p.m. after getting help from a passing driver.[1] A California Highway Patrol helicopter located Formosa about 1.5 miles from Badwater Road, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.[1] The Inyo County coroner will determine the official cause and manner of death.[1]
On Monday, August 17, 2026, Formosa and his French companion became stuck in mud on West Side Road near Queen of Sheba Mine Road and then set out on foot toward Badwater Road.[1] They walked across barren salt flats in about 116-degree heat with little opportunity for shade before Formosa collapsed.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Monday, August 17, 2026, Pierre Michel Formosa, 68, and a French companion became stuck in mud on West Side Road near Queen of Sheba Mine Road in Death Valley National Park.
- The two men attempted to walk across salt flats toward Badwater Road in 116-degree heat, with little opportunity for shade.
- Formosa collapsed after roughly 1.3 miles; his companion reached Badwater Road, got help from a passing driver, and reported the incident just after 2 p.m.
- A California Highway Patrol helicopter located Formosa about 1.5 miles from Badwater Road, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
- The Inyo County coroner is responsible for determining the official cause and manner of death.
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