In many parts of the world, temperatures have reached record highs in recent days. Another alarm signal with a view to climate change – but some people seemed to see the heat more as a tourist attraction.
Some travelers took selfies with temperature displays in Death Valley that showed well over 50 degrees. The national park is located in the Mojave Desert in the USA and is officially the hottest place on earth: in 1913, the highest temperature on earth was measured at 56.7 degrees Celsius – even if the record is methodologically disputed among experts. A 71-year-old wanted to hike to “Death Valley” during the recent heat wave. The attempt ended fatally for him.
The temperatures were still far from the 110-year-old record and should also rise in the following days. According to media reports, the thermometer at the Death Valley Visitor Center showed 49.4 degrees. This too can quickly become life-threatening. However, that didn’t stop the American from undertaking his trek.
“Why am I doing this? Why not?” He is said to have answered, according to the “Los Angeles Times”, when asked about his motivation. The man was out and about in the sweltering heat for a total of almost eight hours, brusquely refusing offers of help while resting in one of the few shady places. In the afternoon he collapsed.
Another visitor to the park alerted the rescue workers, but a rescue helicopter could not be used because of the intense heat. Paramedics at the scene tried to save the man’s life with a defibrillator. But the 71-year-old did not survive the collapse. According to the authorities, the specific cause of death is still unclear, but it is firmly assumed that the heat played a decisive role.
The American was a great adventurer, his wife told the Los Angeles Times. He loved hiking in extreme conditions as much as mountaineering. Her husband had been talking about the Death Valley tour for a few days, but left that day without telling her. “He died after accomplishing something he wanted to do,” the widow said. “He wanted to go to Death Valley, he wanted to do this hike.”
Quellen: “Los Angeles Times” / NBC Los Angeles / AP
