French Traveler's Final Death Valley Post in 117°F Heat

A 68-year-old French tourist, Pierre Michel Formosa, died in Death Valley after his car broke down and he and a companion walked for help as temperatures reached about 116–117°F; Formosa was unable to continue after walking just over a mile and was pronounced dead at the scene, with a companion reporting the emergency. His final Facebook post documented the journey and humor about the heat, serving as a haunting prelude to the tragedy. Park officials warn that Death Valley's extreme heat and remoteness can turn a short trek deadly, urging visitors to carry ample water, have vehicle emergency supplies, and stay with a disabled vehicle if stranded.