German tourist succumbs to heat in Death Valley as temperature hits 128 degrees

Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press
Updated ·2 min read
1

A motorcyclist visiting the U.S. from Germany died and another was hospitalized after they became overwhelmed by heat amid record-breaking temperatures in Death Valley National Park over the weekend, authorities said.

The incident took place on Saturday in the Badwater Basin portion of the park as the temperature soared to 128 degrees, marking a daily record, Death Valley National Park representatives said.

A group of six men from Germany were making their way through the area on motorcycles when two of them suffered significant heat-related illness, officials said.

A sign marking Death Valley National Park, pictured in an undated photo.
A sign marking Death Valley National Park, pictured in an undated photo.

One of the riders was pronounced dead at the scene, park spokeswoman Abigail Wines said.

A second was taken to a hospital for treatment of "severe heat illness," according to the statement.

He, along with two other members of the group, were transported 19 miles to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center for help, Wines said. The severely ill man was subsequently taken to a hospital in Pahrump, Nevada by ambulance, then to another hospital in Las Vegas by helicopter.

The record-setting heat prevented rescuers from using a helicopter to transport the victims directly from Death Valley, as they can't safely fly in temperatures above 120 degrees, Wines said.

Two other motorcyclists in the group declined medical treatment, she added.

Saturday's high temperature broke the area's previous daily record of 127 degrees, set in 2007.

Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds urged visitors to be vigilant of the serious threat posed by extreme heat.

A pool in the Badwater Basin area of Death Valley National Park, pictured in an undated photo.
A pool in the Badwater Basin area of Death Valley National Park, pictured in an undated photo.

"High heat like this can pose real threats to your health," he said. "While this is a very exciting time to experience potential world record setting temperatures in Death Valley, we encourage visitors to choose their activities carefully, avoiding prolonged periods of time outside of an air-conditioned vehicle or building when temperatures are this high."

When the head index exceeds 99 degrees, ambient air, such as the wind experienced by motorcyclists, is no longer able to provide relief from the heat, officials said.

More: 130 degrees: California's Death Valley may soon break world heat record

"Heat illness and injury are cumulative and can build over the course of a day or days," according to the statement. "Besides not being able to cool down while riding due to high ambient air temperatures, experiencing Death Valley by motorcycle when it is this hot is further challenged by the necessary heavy safety gear worn to reduce injuries during an accident."

Hiking and other outdoor activities are not recommended during periods of extreme heat, especially at lower elevations, park officials said.

More: Extreme heat in California: Hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries, billions of dollars

Authorities also urged additional safety measures:

  • Stay hydrated

  • Wear loose-fitting clothing, a hat and sunscreen

  • Avoid the sun during the peak of the day

  • Carry an umbrella

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Tourist from Germany dies of heat exposure in Death Valley