Story perspectives

116°F Heat Traps French Tourist in Death in Death Valley

8/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

French tourist Pierre Michel Formosa died after his vehicle became stuck in mud.
Temperatures peaked at 116 °F on Monday, August 17, during the incident.
Formosa’s companion walked 1.3 miles, then flagged a driver and alerted rangers at Badwater Road.
Park rangers and a California Highway Patrol helicopter found Formosa’s body about 1.5 miles from Badwater Road.
Superintendent Mike Reynolds expressed condolences and warned conditions can become dangerous quickly.

History

Historical Context

In July 1913 the U.S. Weather Bureau recorded 134 °F at Furnace Creek, the world’s highest verified air temperature and a benchmark for Death Valley’s extreme climate. On a recent July day a 116 °F spike trapped French tourist Pierre Michel Formosa in his car, leading to his death and prompting the National Park Service and California Highway Patrol to tighten heat-safety measures.

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Story summary

French tourist Pierre Michel Formosa died after his vehicle became stuck in mud.
Temperatures peaked at 116 °F on Monday, August 17, during the incident.
Formosa’s companion walked 1.3 miles, then flagged a driver and alerted rangers at Badwater Road.
Park rangers and a California Highway Patrol helicopter found Formosa’s body about 1.5 miles from Badwater Road.
Superintendent Mike Reynolds expressed condolences and warned conditions can become dangerous quickly.

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