Authorities have confirmed that a 57-year-old man tragically lost his life due to heat exposure while walking in Death Valley National Park. This unfortunate incident marks the second heat-related death in the area during the summer season.
The National Park Service issued a statement claiming that on August 1st, Peter Hayes Robino, a resident of Los Angeles County, drove his car off a steep embankment after finishing a one-mile circular walk.
The temperature in the local area reached a scorching 119 degrees Fahrenheit on that specific day. This year, the heat has spiked even higher, reaching a staggering 130 degrees. This extreme weather phenomenon attracts tourists who are eager to experience what is often considered the hottest place in America. However, park authorities and health officials have issued repeated warnings due to the dangerous conditions.
RELATED STORIES
According to the NPS, Robino successfully finished the one-mile Natural Bridge Trail, which is known for being easy to follow but having a rocky terrain.
According to the NPS, witnesses observed him stumbling after completing the walk. Despite offers of assistance, he declined, and his responses seemed nonsensical.
Afterward, he hopped into his car and skillfully maneuvered it down a steep 20-foot embankment, located at the periphery of a parking lot. The incident occurred shortly before 3:50 p.m. A photograph shared by the NPS vividly portrays the severe damage sustained by the vehicle, with its airbags fully deployed as a result of the crash.
Bystanders took Robino to a shady area where he could rest after the incident. When first responders arrived at 4:10 p.m., he was still breathing, but unfortunately, despite their efforts to revive him with CPR and provide care in an air-conditioned ambulance, Robino was pronounced dead at 4:42 p.m.
The autopsy determined that hyperthermia, a condition that manifests as confusion, irritability, and lack of coordination, was the cause of death.
Superintendent Mike Reynolds, a first responder who was called to the scene, expressed his heartfelt condolences to Mr. Robino’s family and friends. He emphasized that Mr. Robino’s tragic passing serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of not underestimating the dangers associated with extreme heat.
In July, a motorcyclist tragically lost their life in Death Valley due to suspected heat exposure. Additionally, another motorcyclist was hospitalized for severe heat illness. Another visitor to the national park suffered from third-degree burns on their feet while exploring the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and had to be treated at a local hospital. These incidents highlight the dangers of extreme heat in Death Valley.
Park rangers advise Death Valley National Park visitors to prioritize staying in or close to air-conditioned areas whenever possible. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid hiking in low elevations after 10 a.m. It is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and to avoid consuming salty snacks.
