68-year-old French tourist dies after car gets stuck in Death Valley mud

A 68‑year‑old man was discovered deceased on a salt‑flat area in California on Tuesday, officials said, as temperatures in the region surged to 116 °F (46.6 °C). The body was found by a passerby near the expansive flatlands that border the Salton Sea, and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department was notified immediately.

County investigators confirmed that the death is being treated as a result of exposure to extreme heat, noting that the area’s reflective surface can rapidly increase body temperature under such conditions. The incident occurs amid a prolonged heat wave that has prompted statewide advisories urging residents to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity, and seek shelter during peak temperatures. Authorities are reminding the public of the heightened risks associated with prolonged exposure in open, sun‑baked environments.