Hiker, 57, Dies After Declining Help and Driving Off Embankment — Officials Say Heat Exposure Was to Blame

Mar. 15, 2025

Man drives off embankment, dies of heat exposure in Death Valley National Park.Photo:National Park Service

National Park Service

A 57-year-old man crashed his car and died following a hike at Death Valley National Park, and officials say extreme heat was to blame.

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The Inyo County Coroner’s Office found that Robino died of hyperthermia, according to the NPS.

The National Park Service did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for additional comment

Superintendent Mike Reynolds, who was one of the EMTs that responded to the scene, said in a statement that Robino’s death should serve as “a reminder not to underestimate the dangers of extreme heat.”

“Symptoms of overheating can include confusion, irritability, and lack of coordination,” officials noted. “The Furnace Creek weather station recorded 119°F that afternoon.”

His death another visitordied on July 6as he was traveling through the park on a motorcycle near Badwater Basin.

source: people.com