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We snagged these exclusive discounts just for you. Grab 'em before they're gone! Metro exclusive details Haunting final picture of tourist who suffered horrific fate in Death Valley By Erica Andrews Published Aug. 24, 2026, 4:15 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The California Post on Google A French tourist’s haunting final post from Death Valley has emerged after he died while attempting to walk for help through the park’s brutal desert heat. Pierre Michel Formosa, 68, shared a photo from Death Valley just one day before his death on Aug. 17, proudly documenting his journey into one of the most unforgiving landscapes in America. In the Facebook post , written in French, Formosa joked about the blistering conditions at Furnace Creek, where temperatures soared to a staggering 117F. 5 Pierre Formosa, left, died in Death Valley on Aug. 17 after his car broke down in the desert. Facebook.pierreformosa 5 In the Facebook post , written in French, Formosa joked about the blistering conditions at Furnace Creek, where temperatures soared to a staggering 117F. He is pictured with his friend behind him earlier in their trip across California. “This time, we’re leaving the main highways behind and setting our sights firmly on the American interior,” he wrote, according to a translation of the post. Explore More Flight attendant found dead near dumpster after falling from 24th floor of luxe Hawaiian hotel: reports Ex-Illinois deputy who fatally shot Sonya Massey over pot of hot water dead in prison at 32 Jury dismissed for the day after Clancy’s defense denied mistrial over testimony about her being Catholic The traveler described Furnace Creek as a “true oasis” surrounded by scorching desert and noted that the area sits roughly 190ft below sea level. “Here, the thermometer means business: 117°F—nearly 47°C—in the heat of the day!” Formosa wrote. He then made a chilling reference to the very item that could have been critical to surviving the extreme conditions. “Suffice it to say that, for this part of the trip, the cooler isn’t just a travel companion… it’s practically a member of the crew!” The lighthearted post would become a heartbreaking final glimpse of Formosa before disaster struck. 5 Pierre Formosa was traveling with a companion when their vehicle became stuck in mud and they began walking in search of help. Getty Images Formosa and a companion were traveling along a remote road in Death Valley National Park when their vehicle became stuck in mud. With no other vehicles nearby and emergency help potentially hours away, the two men ultimately left the vehicle and began walking across the salt flats in search of assistance, according to the National Park Service . But the desert quickly proved deadly. Temperatures reached 116 degrees that day, and Formosa was unable to continue after walking just over a mile. His companion pressed on and eventually encountered a passing motorist, who helped report the emergency at a national park visitor center shortly after 2 p.m. 5 The French tourist was unable to continue after walking just over a mile with temperatures reaching 116 degrees that day in Death Valley. . GC Images Rangers and local and state first responders launched a search-and-rescue operation. They eventually found Formosa, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The Inyo County coroner is expected to determine the official cause and manner of death. Death Valley National Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds called the incident a devastating reminder of just how quickly the park’s conditions can turn deadly. “This is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly conditions here can turn dangerous,” Reynolds said. “Death Valley is an extraordinary place, but its heat, distances, and remoteness can be dangerous, regardless of experience.” 5 Death Valley National Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds called the incident a heartbreaking reminder of just how quickly the park’s extreme heat can turn deadly. Anadolu via Getty Images The tragedy underscores the peril hidden behind the spectacular scenery that draws tourists from around the world. Death Valley is enormous and notoriously remote, with stretches where cellphone service is unavailable and help can be hours away. Extreme summer temperatures can also turn even a relatively short walk into a life-threatening ordeal. Park officials urge visitors to prepare carefully before venturing into remote areas, including carrying at least one gallon of water per person per day, plus additional supplies for vehicle emergencies, and they advise stranded motorists to stay with their vehicles whenever possible. Filed under california death desert facebook 8/24/26 Read Next 5-time illegal entrant admits 'mistake' that finally got h... 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Getty Images The French tourist was unable to continue after walking just over a mile with temperatures reaching 116 degrees that day in Death Valley. . GC Images Death Valley National Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds called the incident a heartbreaking reminder of just how quickly the park’s extreme heat can turn deadly. 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