Worker discovers body after man dies in 126-degree heat in Death Valley, officials say

Helena Wegner
·2 min read
3

A maintenance worker found a man dead his car after 126-degree heat in Death Valley National Park in California, officials said.

The 65-year-old man from San Diego was found dead at about 10 a.m. July 3, the National Park Service said in a July 5 news release.

The man had driven about 30 yards off the North Highway and had two flat tires, likely after dying from “extreme heat,” park officials said.

The man’s window had been rolled down and his air conditioner was not working when he was found, officials said.

Officials said the area had reached 126 degrees the day before and cooled to 98 degrees at night.

Death Valley is known as the “hottest place on earth and driest place in North America.”

It isn’t uncommon for the area to reach 120 degrees during the summer months, according to park officials.

The national park once reached a record 134 degrees on July 10, 1913.

Beating the heat

When temperatures are extremely high, some people can have trouble regulating temperature.

In some cases, people can experience heat exhaustion and have muscle cramps, nausea, weakness and cold or clammy skin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If heat exhaustion persists for too long, however, it can lead to heatstroke, the most serious form of heat injury. People experiencing heatstroke can have hot, red, dry or damp skin. They also can have a fast and strong pulse, and they can become confused. People should move indoors immediately and call 911 right away if they have symptoms.

If people choose to hike or be outdoors in dangerously hot temperatures, officials recommend the following tips:

  • Carry and drink plenty of water and plan to replenish electrolytes.

  • Eat twice as much food as normal and have salty foods on hand.

  • Carry a first-aid kit.

  • Pack essentials only.

  • Bring a flashlight with spare batteries to hike during the cool evening.

  • Spray yourself with water to cool down.

  • Have a hat and sunscreen as protection from the sun.

  • Have a whistle or signal for emergency use.

  • Wear waterproof clothing.

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