A 68-year-old French tourist died on August 17 in Death Valley National Park, California, after becoming stranded with his vehicle in a remote area, according to the National Park Service.
Death Valley is considered the hottest place on Earth, with an official record air temperature of 56.7°C (134°F).
The man and his companion, also French, left their vehicle and began walking across the salt flats in search of help. That day, temperatures reached 46.7°C (116°F).
After walking approximately two kilometers (1.2 miles), the man was unable to continue. His companion continued ahead, eventually making contact with a driver and alerting authorities.
The incident highlights the extreme risks of traveling through Death Valley during periods of intense heat, particularly in remote areas where help can be difficult to reach.
