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View Full Version : Death Valley tourist dies walking for gas in extreme heat that hit 123 degrees



Teh One Who Knocks
06-17-2022, 04:10 PM
Graeme Massie - The Independent


https://i.imgur.com/PrvgyUT.png

A Death Valley National Park tourist died after walking for gas for his car in sweltering high temperatures that hit 123 degrees.

Park officials say that David Kelleher, 67, was found more than two miles from his vehicle but only 30ft from California Highway 190.

A ranger first noticed the car parked at Zabriskie Point, a popular spot to watch sunrise and sunset, on 8 June.

The same ranger then noticed that the car had not been moved three days later, and upon inspection found a note that read “Out of gas” inside it.

Officials say that the extreme temperatures limited search efforts for Mr Kelleher, who was from Huntington Beach, California.

The National Park Service says that he had been cited for off-road driving on 30 May and had told a ranger then that he was low on gas.

“Kelleher’s body was found by park visitors around 2pm on June 14. Kelleher was about 2.5 miles from their vehicle, but only about 30 feet from California Highway 190, obscured by terrain and a mesquite tree,” NPS said in a statement.

They advise visitors that during periods of extreme temperatures they should stay with their vehicle and wait for assistance.

It is not the first death in the park, which straddles California and Nevada, this month.

John McCarry, 69, of Long Beach, was found dead in Panamint Valley on 1 June. And in May, a vehicle belonging to Peter Harootunian was found abandoned in Emigrant Campground. He has not been found.

lost in melb.
06-17-2022, 04:35 PM
:shock:

That is extremely hot

Teh One Who Knocks
06-17-2022, 04:51 PM
:shock:

That is extremely hot

Death Valley holds the record for the highest recorded temperature on earth.

Teh One Who Knocks
06-17-2022, 04:52 PM
https://i.imgur.com/2OGC1hZ.png

lost in melb.
06-17-2022, 05:09 PM
Death Valley holds the record for the highest recorded temperature on earth.

It's a quick death, either way.

I guess it's best to stay in your car because then they can locate you. But it's going to be even hotter in there. What I would do is open the door and then at least get some shade behind the door.

lost in melb.
06-17-2022, 05:10 PM
Or under the car...

Teh One Who Knocks
06-17-2022, 05:15 PM
Why people feel the need to go hiking or off roading in Death Valley in the middle of the summer is beyond me. Play stupid games....

lost in melb.
06-17-2022, 05:19 PM
Why people feel the need to go hiking or off roading in Death Valley in the middle of the summer is beyond me. Play stupid games....

The elephant in the room. True!

PorkChopSandwiches
06-20-2022, 03:27 PM
Why people feel the need to go hiking or off roading in Death Valley in the middle of the summer is beyond me. Play stupid games....

And not fill up before hand :facepalm:

deebakes
06-21-2022, 01:15 AM
have you seen gas prices in california though? maybe was trying to get to cheaper alternatives in nevada

perrhaps
06-21-2022, 08:55 AM
What's the one thing that immediately attracts attention in the desert and would get help on its way?

Smoke from a fire. Keep materials for it in your trunk in case your car breaks down.

deebakes
06-22-2022, 02:49 AM
and then start it on fire? :-k

perrhaps
06-22-2022, 09:06 AM
Preferably 30-50 feet away from the car.