A second man has died of heat exposure in California’s Death Valley National Park this summer, according to the National Park Service.
Peter Hayes Robino, 57, a Los Angeles resident, died of hyperthermia on Aug. 1, the park announced Monday.
Bystanders saw Robino stumble as he returned from the National Bridge Trail — a 1-mile round-trip journey — and offered to help him but he declined, the NPS said, adding bystanders said his responses were not making sense.
Peter Hayes Robino’s vehicle at Death Valley National Park, Aug. 1, 2024.
National Park Service
Robino then got in his car and drove off a steep, 20-foot embankment at the edge of the parking lot and his car rolled over, deploying its airbags. A bystander left to call 911 and other bystanders helped him walk back to the parking lot and sit in the shade, the NPS said.
Bystanders said Robino was still breathing until just before park rangers arrived to provide help, according to officials. NPS emergency responders said they provided Robino with CPR and moved him to an air-conditioned ambulance.
He was declared dead shortly afterward, according to the park service.
The temperature reached 119 degrees in Death Valley that afternoon.
A trailhead sign lists details on the extreme heat risks at Death Valley National Park in Death Valley, Calif., Aug. 6, 2024.
Bridget Bennett for The Washington Post via Getty Images
Symptoms of overheating can include confusion, irritability and lack of coordination.
Park rangers in Death Valley National Park advise summer visitors to avoid the heat by staying in or near air conditioning, not hiking at low elevations after 10 a.m., drinking plenty of water and eating salty snacks.
“My condolences go out to Mr. Robino’s family and friends,” said Mike Reynolds, a superintendent at the park and emergency medical technician who responded to the incident. “His death serves as a reminder not to underestimate the dangers of extreme heat.”
A tragic incident occurred recently in Death Valley National Park, where a man lost his life after crashing his car in the scorching heat. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of extreme heat exposure and the importance of being prepared when traveling through hot and arid environments.
The man, whose identity has not been released, was driving through Death Valley National Park when his car veered off the road and crashed. Emergency responders were called to the scene, but by the time they arrived, the man had already succumbed to the extreme heat. The temperature in Death Valley that day was well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it one of the hottest places on Earth.
Death Valley is known for its harsh and unforgiving climate, with temperatures often reaching dangerous levels during the summer months. The park is a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, but it is crucial for visitors to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses and fatalities.
Heat exposure can have serious consequences on the body, leading to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and even death if not treated promptly. Symptoms of heat-related illnesses include dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and confusion. It is essential to stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and take frequent breaks in shaded areas when traveling through hot environments like Death Valley.
In the case of the man who tragically lost his life in Death Valley, it serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared when traveling through extreme environments. It is crucial to have plenty of water on hand, a fully charged cell phone for emergencies, and to let someone know your travel plans before embarking on a journey through remote areas.
Park rangers and emergency responders in Death Valley National Park urge visitors to take precautions when traveling through the park, especially during the hot summer months. It is essential to be aware of the risks of heat exposure and to take steps to protect oneself from the extreme temperatures.
As we mourn the loss of the man who died after crashing his car in Death Valley National Park, let us use this tragic incident as a reminder to always be prepared and vigilant when traveling through hot and arid environments. Stay safe, stay hydrated, and be aware of the dangers of extreme heat exposure.
