Officials confirmed that a 57-year-old man passed away due to heat exposure at Death Valley National Park earlier this month. This incident marks the second heat-related death at the park this summer.
The man, known as Peter Hayes Robino from Los Angeles County, tragically lost his life after completing a 1-mile round-trip hike on Natural Bridge Trail, according to park authorities. Witnesses reported seeing him struggle and appear disoriented, but he refused any assistance.
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Afterwards, Robino allegedly drove his vehicle off a 20-foot drop at the edge of the trailhead’s parking area. Park rangers promptly intervened and tried to save him, but unfortunately, Robino was pronounced deceased.
An autopsy carried out by the Inyo County Coroner concluded that hyperthermia was the cause of death.
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During the month of July, a motorcyclist lost their life to heat exposure while visiting the park, with another individual being hospitalized.
Known for its extreme temperatures, Death Valley remains one of the most scorching places on the planet, and officials persist in advising visitors to steer clear of the heat and stay hydrated.