Death Valley Nightmare: Los Angeles Man’s Tragic Final Moments After Heat Confusion!
A scorching 119°F day turns deadly for a California man after a heatwave causes disorientation and a fatal crash in Death Valley. 🌐 #News #DeathValleyCA #California #HeatWarning
DEATH VALLEY, CA – The National Park Service on Monday confirmed a fatality at Death Valley National Park earlier this month was caused by heat exposure, the second heat-related death at the park this summer.
Peter Hayes Robino, 57, of Los Angeles, died at Natural Bridge Trailhead on Aug. 1, after driving his car over an embankment while in a state of confusion, according to witnesses.
Park officials said bystanders say Robino “stumble” after returning from a one-mile round trip on the Natural Bridge Trail. They offered to help the man, but he declined their offer. The witnesses told park officials his responses were nonsensical.
Robino then got into his car and drove over a 20-foot embankment at the edge of the parking lot, causing the car to roll over. A bystander called 911 at 3:50 p.m., and others helped Robino walk back to a shaded are of the parking lot.
NPS emergency responders arrived at 4:10, and bystanders reported Robino had just stopped breathing. EMS began CPR and moved him to the air-conditioned ambulance, but he was pronounced dead at 4:42.
The Inyo County Coroner conducted an autopsy, and determined Robino died of hyperthermia. According to park officials, symptoms of overheating include confusion, irritability, and lack of coordination.
Death Valley’s Furnace Creek weather station recorded a temperature of 119 degrees Fahrenheit on the afternoon of Aug. 1.
“My condolences go out to Mr. Robino’s family and friends,” Superintendent Mike Reynolds, one of the EMTs that responded to the incident, said in a statement. “His death serves as a reminder not to underestimate the dangers of extreme heat.”
Park officials are warning summer visitors to take precautions for extreme heat, including not hiking at low elevations after 10 a.m., staying in or near air conditioning, drinking plenty of water, and eating salty snacks.
Written by TMX staff, with additional reporting by Jack and Kitty Norton.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
We value your feedback! Did you find this article informative, inspiring, or thought-provoking? Leave a comment below and join the discussion. We appreciate your opinion and look forward to hearing from you!
