A 57-year-old man died from heat exposure after hiking in Death Valley National Park, authorities confirmed Monday, becoming the second heat-related death in the area this summer.
Peter Hayes Robino of Los Angeles County drove his car off a steep embankment after going on a one-mile loop hike on Aug. 1, the National Park Service said. he said in a statement.
The local temperature that day rose to 119 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat in the area reached 130 degrees this year, attracting tourists eager to experience what is often the hottest place in America, but receiving repeated warnings from park officials and health officials.
The NPS said Robino completed the one-mile Natural Bridge Trail, which is described as “easy to follow but very rocky.”
Witnesses saw him stumble as he finished his walk and offered to help, but he refused and his responses didn’t make sense, the NPS said.
He then got into his car and drove off a 20-foot embankment at the edge of a parking lot just before 3:50 p.m. A photo of the badly damaged car shared by the NPS shows that its airbags deployed in the crash.
Robino managed to get away and was taken to a shady area by passersby. He was still breathing when rescuers arrived at 4.10pm, but despite receiving CPR and being transferred to an air-conditioned ambulance, Robino was pronounced dead at 4.42pm.
An autopsy confirmed he died of hyperthermia, symptoms of which can include confusion, irritability and lack of coordination.
“My condolences go out to Mr. Robino’s family and friends,” said Superintendent Mike Reynolds, a first responder who was called to the scene. “His death serves as a reminder not to underestimate the dangers of extreme heat.”
One motorcyclist was pronounced dead from suspected heat exposure in Death Valley in July, while another was hospitalized for severe heat illness. Another tourist was treated at a local hospital for third-degree burns he suffered on his feet last month at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, also in the national park.
Death Valley National Park rangers advise visitors to stay in or near air conditioning whenever possible, not hike after 10 a.m. at low elevations, drink plenty of water and avoid salty snacks.
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