Man dies from extreme heat after accident in Death Valley

A man has died in Death Valley National Park after a man crashed his car and suffered hypertensive syndrome, the National Park Service said Monday.

The victim, identified as Peter Hayes Robino, 57, was seen stumbling while returning from the National Bridge Trail, a one-mile round-trip hike. Despite several passersby offering to help him, he declined, the National Park Service (NPS) said.

Robino then got into his car and drove down a steep 20-foot embankment at the edge of the parking lot, causing his vehicle to roll over and the airbags to deploy. A bystander called 911 while others helped Robino back into the parking lot and sit in the shade.

Witnesses said Robino continued to breathe until shortly before rangers arrived and provided assistance. NPS emergency responders performed CPR and transported him to an air-conditioned ambulance, but he eventually died.

Robino was exposed to temperatures reaching 119 degrees Fahrenheit in Death Valley. Symptoms of overheating can include confusion, irritability and lack of coordination.

“My deepest condolences go out to Mr. Robino’s family and friends,” said park superintendent Mike Reynolds, who responded to the incident. “His death serves as a reminder that the dangers of extreme heat should not be underestimated.”

Death Valley National Park rangers advise summer visitors to take precautions to avoid extreme heat.

Recommendations include staying in air-conditioned areas, avoiding walking at low elevations after 10:00 a.m., drinking plenty of water and eating salty snacks.

With information from ABC News