A motorcyclist died from suspected heat exposure and another was hospitalized for severe heat illness on Saturday in Death Valley National Park, California, amid record-breaking temperatures, park officials reported.
The deceased motorcyclist was not identified by age or gender, and the condition of the hospitalized patient was not disclosed.
Four other riders from the same group were treated at the scene for heat stress, according to National Park Service Ranger Nichole L. Andler.
The incident occurred near Badwater Basin, known for its salt flats and as the lowest point in North America, south of the Furnace Creek Visitor’s Center.
On Saturday afternoon, the National Weather Service recorded a high temperature of 128 degrees Fahrenheit, breaking the previous July 6 record of 127 degrees set in 2007.
The extreme heat posed significant risks due to temperatures well above 99 degrees, which provide minimal cooling to humans. Motorcyclists, who often wear thick protective gear, face additional challenges in staying cool.
Helicopter rescues are hindered in such conditions, as warmer air affects their ability to take off swiftly over the vast Mojave Desert.
Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds emphasized the dangers of high heat, urging visitors to be cautious despite the allure of potential record-setting temperatures in Death Valley.
The park issued an “extreme summer heat” alert, advising against hiking after 10 a.m. and stressing the importance of appropriate clothing, shade, and staying hydrated. Cellphone reception is unreliable in the area, further complicating emergency communication.
The National Weather Service forecasted continued record heat in Death Valley throughout the week, driven by a high pressure system affecting much of the Western United States.