Death Valley National Park (CA)
Fatal Helicopter Accident
A helicopter that was being used to shoot part of a Volkswagen car commercial under a commercial filming permit crashed on Highway 190 between the Panamint Springs Resort and Father Crowley Point just before noon on December 30th. The road had been closed by California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers during the shoot, so no vehicles were involved. Two of the three occupants were airlifted to a hospital in Vegas; the third was taken by ambulance to Lone Pine. One of the two people who was flown out subsequently died. Park EMS personnel and firefighters responded along with other agencies. Additional details will follow.[Submitted by Nancy Wizner, Chief Ranger]
Thursday, January 06, 2005
Death Valley National Park (CA)
Fatal Helicopter Accident
A helicopter that was being used to shoot part of a Volkswagen car commercial under a commercial filming permit crashed on Highway 190 between the Panamint Springs Resort and Father Crowley Point just before noon on December 30th. The road had been closed by California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers during the shoot, so no vehicles were involved. Two of the three occupants were airlifted to a hospital in Vegas; the third was taken by ambulance to Lone Pine. One of the two people who was flown out subsequently died. Park EMS personnel and firefighters responded along with other agencies. Additional details will follow.[Submitted by Nancy Wizner, Chief Ranger]
Friday, December 30, 2005
Death Valley NP
Structural Fires
Park staff responded to two structural fires on December 21st. The first was in a 2005 motor home in the Furnace Creek Campground. The parents were outside the vehicle when they noticed smoke coming out from the roof. They pulled their disabled son out of the vehicle, but he nonetheless suffered from smoke inhalation and burns and was taken to the burn center at the University Medical Center. The fire appears to have started in wiring behind the refrigerator. A small section of the roof was damaged, and the vehicle also suffered from water damage. While refueling and restocking the park engine after the fire, rangers heard radio traffic from Xanterra, a park inholder, regarding an employee trailer fire at Furnace Creek Ranch. The Xanterra volunteer fire department was on scene when the park engine arrived and the trailer was fully engulfed in flames. The trailer was surrounded by other employee trailers, trees and parked vehicles and was directly below power transmission lines. The trailer's occupant reported that she'd been cooking on a propane stove when it blew up. She was evaluated and treated by park EMTs. Burn patterns in the trailer showed that the origin was most likely in the area of the stove. Investigations into both fires continue. [Nancy Wizner, Chief Ranger]
Wednesday, January 4, 2006
Point Reyes NS
Pacific Storms Slam Park
Over the past few days, the park has been severely battered by a series of major Pacific storms, and adjacent communities have sustained major flooding due to the high levels of rainfall and extreme high tides. These communities have also suffered from power outages and the closure of road corridors to major highways due to numerous mudslides and closed roads. Much of the park has been affected by flooding, high tides, power outages, and toppled trees. Several roads and low lying areas within the park are temporarily closed due to flooding, clogged culverts, and mudslides. Several park residences along Lagunitas Creek were seriously flooded; water was waist deep in these facilities. Major sections of the park remain closed. Limantour Road and the Limantour Beach area will remain closed while work crews clear culverts and assess damage to the roads. Park emergency crews are working hard to clean debris, clear roadways, assess damage, assisting Marin County emergency teams, and getting the park into operational condition. The worst of the series of storms seems to have passed, but high tides and showers are still forecast for the next few days. [John Golda)
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Death Valley NP
Passenger in Pickup Killed in Accident
On the evening of Friday, February 10th, rangers and a visitor use assistant responded to a report of an accident with injuries at the Panamint Springs Resort, a private inholding within the park. A 28-year-old man from Pahrump, Nevada, had been riding in the bed of a pickup truck when he fell out and sustained a massive head injury. The accident scene was found to be on Lake Hill Road in Panamint Valley within the park's boundary. The truck had been traveling south when the driver swerved left to avoid a washout. The truck then swerved to the right across the roadway and struck a second washout, at which time the man was ejected from the pickup's bed. His injuries proved to be fatal. Investigation revealed that a resort maintenance employee had been driving the pickup. He was taken to the Inyo County jail. Evidence suggests that the deceased passenger was intoxicated when he fell from the truck. His body was released to the county coroner. Both of the deceased's parents worked at the resort and were on scene when rescue units arrived. The mother had been a passenger in the front of the pickup when the accident occurred. The California Highway Patrol is the lead agency in the investigation. [Nancy Wizner, Chief Ranger]
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Death Valley NP
Armed Man Causes Evacuation, Commits Suicide
Park dispatch received a call from the Inyo County Sheriff's Office last weekend regarding the discovery of a suicide note in a motel room in Ridgecrest, California. The 56-year-old man who composed it said that he was heading to Titus Canyon to commit suicide. Rangers found his vehicle in the Titus Canyon parking lot near Scotty's Castle Road. As they were investigating, one of the rangers saw the man with a weapon in his back pocket not far from about 20 visitors in the parking lot. Rangers provided cover for the visitors as they were evacuated, then closed the area. Inyo County and CHP officers also responded and helped secure the area. The man with the gun disappeared from sight around 6:30 p.m. Two rangers stayed in the area overnight and were joined by other rangers and CHP and Inyo County officers at dawn. A CHP helicopter arrived on scene, and an observer spotted the man's body in the rocks where he'd last been seen. Rangers conducted a technical carryout, with the CHP helicopter employed to ferry in rescue equipment. The Inyo County SO is the lead agency in the investigation. [Nancy Wizner, Chief Ranger]
Monday, May 2, 2006
Death Valley NP
Pilot Killed in Private Plane Crash
A private plane crashed about a half mile southeast of the Furnace Creek airstrip on Timbisha Shoshone tribal land around 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 30th. The 56-year-old pilot, a resident of Independence, Oregon, died at the scene; his wife was injured and airlifted to a hospital in Las Vegas. The accident occurred after the pilot had taken off from the airport - the fifth in a group to depart from the airstrip. The park's structural fire truck was used to ensure that there would be no fire in the overturned plane while the pilot was being extricated. The NPS, the Inyo County Sheriff's Office and coroner, and the California Highway Patrol all responded. The FAA and NTSB have been notified. The temperature during this incident was about 106 degrees. Inyo County is the lead agency in the investigation. [Nancy Wizner, Chief Ranger]
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Death Valley NP
Death from Heat Exposure
The park received a report of a collapsed hiker on Golden Canyon trail at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, May 15th. A 63-year-old woman from Germany succumbed to heat exposure about a mile below Zabriskie Point. CPR was administered until the park's medical director declared her deceased. The Inyo County coroner will determine the exact cause of death. The air temperature at the time was 105 degrees; the ground temperature was about 130 degrees. [Nancy Wizner, Chief Ranger]
Friday, October 13, 2006
Death Valley NP
Fatal Semi-Trailer Accident
On the morning of October 10th, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer who resides in the park reported an overturned semi-trailer on Highway 190 west of Stovepipe Wells. The semi-trailer dump bed overturned near the Emigrant rest rooms; the truck and another attached trailer were about 1,000 feet uphill at the entrance to the Emigrant campground. The truck, which was in several pieces, appeared to have been subjected to tremendous force. The driver's body was found near the corner of the highway and the entrance to the campground. Diesel fuel spilled from the rig into the campground. CalTrans hazmat units responded to assess the severity of the spill, and park resource management staff are working with them to determine what cleanup measures need to be taken. The vehicle and driver were both working on a CalTrans paving project that's currently underway within the park. CHP is the lead agency in the investigation. [Nancy Wizner, Chief Ranger]
Monday, December 04, 2006
Death Valley National Park (CA)
Unexploded Bomb Found In Park
On November 1st, the Saline Valley campground host advised the park that campers had found an unexploded bomb while hiking about three miles south of the Springs area. The bomb appeared to be unexploded military ordnance, with some type of aircraft wing pod lying nearby. Ranger/pilot Ed Forner found the items and is working with park resource management staff and the Department of Defense to recover them. This incident occurred while park superintendent JT Reynolds was hosting a desert managers group meeting and discussing ordnance and plane debris recovery with military commanding officers.
[Submitted by Nancy Wizner, Chief Ranger]
Friday, April 6, 2007
Death Valley NP
Injured Girl Rescued From Cliff
On the afternoon of Wednesday, April 4th, five rangers responded to reports of two teenaged girls stranded on the steep cliffs surrounding Golden Canyon, a popular hiking destination in the park. One girl reportedly had a broken ankle while the other was reportedly suffering from heat-related illness (the temperature was 95 degrees at the time). As rangers headed to the cliffs, the uninjured girl successfully extricated herself and returned to her family waiting near the trailhead. The injured girl was rescued from a 500-foot precipice by the five-person technical rescue team and flown to the trailhead by a California Highway Patrol helicopter that had been assisting in ferrying rescue gear and supplies from the staging area to the rescuers. The rescue team was also evacuated by the helicopter during the last moments of sunlight, avoiding an overnight stay on the mountain by about five minutes. [Nancy Wizner, Chief Ranger]
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Death Valley NP
Motorcycle Accident Results In Death, Serious Injury
D.B., 54, of Cypress, California, was killed in a motorcycle accident on the afternoon of April 14th. D.B. and his wife, P.B., 60, were traveling with a group of motorcyclists when the accident occurred. Their motorcycle left the road, hit a rock, and rolled at least one time, ejecting both B.s. Visitors performed CPR on D.B. for a half hour, but he was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene. Rangers assessed P.B. and provided medical care. She was then flown to a hospital in Las Vegas, where she remains in critical condition. [Nancy Wizner, Chief Ranger]
Monday, June 25, 2007
Death Valley NP
Firefighters Respond To Blaze In Motel Room
Xanterra concession employees notified park dispatch of an electrical fire in a motel room at Stovepipe Wells around 7:45 a.m. on the morning of Friday, June 15th. Park personnel responded with two engines and found that an overhead electrical fan in a bathroom had overheated and caused a small fire in the fan/light fixture. Xanterra employees said that they'd used a fire extinguisher to knock down the blaze. The firefighters donned full personal protective equipment, began ventilation of the building, then entered the room. They found that the fire had extended into the attic, causing charring to a two by eight ceiling truss and attic insulation. They checked to see if the fire had spread anywhere else, then conducted salvage and overhaul operations. There were no injuries. The building was released back to Xanterra around 9:20 a.m. Firefighters determined that the quick use of the fire extinguisher likely prevented further spread of the fire. [Nancy Wizner, Chief Ranger]
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Death Valley NP
Two Missing People Found Alive In Park
On Tuesday, June 12th, park staff learned that two missing people might be in the park. Ar."L."S., 45, and As.S., 34, both from the Los Angeles area, had failed to return to work at a Los Angeles restaurant as scheduled. A multi-agency search was begun at 7:30 a.m. Participating along with park staff were personnel from the Inyo County Sheriff's Office, California Highway Patrol and San Bernadino County Sheriff's Office. A CHP helicopter and the park airplane provided air search capability. Temperatures in the valley were over 105 degrees during the day. Ar.S. and As.S. were found in a remote backcountry cabin around 3:30 p.m. Ar.S.'s vehicle had broken down and the pair had hiked to the cabin to await rescuers. Ranger Annie Leone served as the incident commander. [Nancy Wizner, Chief Ranger]
Friday, July 6, 2007
Death Valley NP
RV Destroyed In Fire
Rangers were notified of a vehicle fire near milepost 72 on Highway 190 around 4 p.m. on the afternoon of Sunday, July 1st. The responding ranger came upon a large RV fully engulfed in flames. The fire had also spread to vegetation along the roadside. NPS Engine 2 responded, as did two BLM engines with a crew of nine wildland firefighters and a CDF quick attack crew and water tender with another nine firefighters. The response time for these agencies was at least an hour, though, due to the remoteness of the location. The owners of the RV, an elderly couple, were uninjured, but the woman required medical attention due to heat exhaustion. The fire was completely extinguished by 7 p.m. The BLM hand crew continued with mop-up operations until the threat of a wildland fire was decreased. The fire burned about a quarter acre on each side of the road. The RV was completely destroyed. Ranger Anne Leone served as the incident commander. [Nancy Wizner, Chief Ranger]
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Death Valley NP
Bobcat Attacks Result In Employee, Visitor Injuries
On Monday, December 17th, park staff were informed of an incident in which a bobcat had attacked a park visitor at Furnace Creek Inn. Rangers found that a 64-year-old woman had suffered scratches and bites on her hands, face and scalp. For several days thereafter, there were numerous bobcat sightings around the inn and resort. Rangers saw several bobcats that showed signs of habituation to humans, but were unable to determine which one was responsible for the attack. On Friday, December 21st, rangers responded to another report of a bobcat attack at the inn. An adult male employee of the resort had reportedly been smoking outside the building when the bobcat attacked him, inflicting bites and lacerations to his head and neck. Since the attack occurred on private property, California Fish and Game and the Inyo County Sheriff's Office were notified. Fish and Game officers asked the park to euthanize the bobcat to ensure public safety. Necropsy results, received last week, revealed that the animal was not suffering from rabies. Rangers and Fish and Game officers found that several resort employees had been feeding wildlife, greatly contributing to the bobcats' habituation and aggressive behavior. [Aaron Shandor, Acting Chief Ranger]
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Death Valley
Presumed Suicide Victim Found In Park
On December 28th, military pilots flying over the western section of the park reported sighting a vehicle over the side of a canyon near the Father Crowley overlook. Rangers checking the vehicle found human remains nearby, evidently those of a man reported missing about four months ago. A suicide note was found nearby. The rangers assisted the Inyo County Sheriff's Department with removal of the remains the next day. The coroner's office is conducting a dental records check to determine the man's identity. No positive identification has yet been made. [Ed Derobertis, Assistant Chief Ranger]
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Death Valley NP
Passenger Killed In Rollover Accident
Rangers responded to a report of a rollover accident in the northern section of the park on Saturday, December 29th. The driver was extricated and airlifted to a hospital, but the passenger - B.Z., 34, of Richmond, British Columbia - did not survive the crash. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the accident. [Ed Derobertis, Assistant Chief Ranger]
Friday, March 6, 2009
Death Valley NP
Ranger Station Fire Suppressed
Ranger Ryan Gallagher and park VIP Jim Klassen heard a smoke detector alarm going off in the Cow Creek Ranger Station on the morning of March 3rd. They also saw smoke coming from the engine bay and a heavier cloud of smoke emitting from the slightly ajar lavatory door, and smelled the strong odor of burning plastic. Klassen evacuated the ranger station and fee collection offices while Gallagher put the fire out with an extinguisher. Other rangers arrived on scene and pulled the park's fire engine and ambulance out of the bay. The fire originated in an overhead exhaust fan in the center of the lavatory ceiling. Investigation showed more damage in the fan ballasts within the ceiling. All damage was contained within the small add-on lavatory. The early detection and quick response by Gallagher and Klassen prevented substantial damage to this structure, which currently houses the park's primary structural fire engine, ambulance, SAR and wildland fire caches, and the primary offices for the park's law enforcement and fee collection operations. The station is a pre-fabricated metal structure built in the late 1980's, intended to be a short term solution to the storage of the park's engine, ambulance and other emergency equipment. [Brent Pennington, Chief Ranger]
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Death Valley NP
Three Suffer Minor Injuries In Helicopter Crash
An MD-500D helicopter operated as a civil aircraft crashed into the side of Rogers Peak in the Panamint Mountains on the morning of Saturday, March 7th. There were injuries but no fatalities. The three occupants of the aircraft were airlifted by a helicopter from China Lake Naval Air Station to the Ridgecrest Regional Hospital, where they were treated and released. The helicopter was transporting personnel and equipment to repair the NPS repeater on Rogers Peak. There were no NPS personnel on the flight. The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Since this was an end product contract for maintenance of the repeater, the NTSB will post any further information on the mishap to their web site as it is released. Death Valley rangers coordinated the rescue and recovery efforts with China Lake NAS. Ranger Matt Martin served as incident commander. [Brad Pennington, Chief Ranger; Clay Hillin, Aviation Manager, Pacific West Region]
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Death Valley NP
Rangers Involved In Standoff With Suicidal Man
On the afternoon of Thursday, March 12th, Death Valley rangers received a "be on the lookout" (BOLO) message for an armed, suicidal man, dressed in a white bathrobe and driving a white Mercedes Benz, who had reportedly assaulted a family member with a knife in Los Angeles. The BOLO also noted that the man was believed to have at least one firearm in his possession, adding that he'd threatened to engage police in a pursuit and shootout. The man was spotted by an Inyo County deputy on Artists Drive Road, a one-way scenic loop road at the north end of Badwater Road within the park. While the deputy followed him, other officers and rangers closed off the road's entrance and exit and evacuated visitors from the area, which was experiencing heavy visitation at the time. The man drove into the Artist's Palette parking area, a dead-end parking area surrounded by steep embankments, and stopped there. The deputy was joined at the lot by rangers and two California Highway Patrol officers. The terrain permitted tactical advantages in that it enabled rangers and officers to locate secure, elevated positions with a clear view of the man and his car. There were no other vehicles in the lot at the time. The deputy was able to begin a dialogue with the man from a position of cover at the entrance to the lot. The man appeared to be very agitated, repeatedly alternating between backing up the car and stopping, then pulling forward and stopping. At several points during the standoff, the man said that his "life was over" and repeatedly asked the officers to "just shoot him." At 7:30 p.m., about two-and-a-half hours into the standoff, the man finally surrendered and was taken into custody. He was booked into the Inyo County jail, but also faces additional charges in Clark County for the earlier assault. No weapons were found during the initial search of the Mercedes. Although the man was not injured, there was a good deal of blood in the car's interior. It was impounded by Inyo County officers. Eight NPS rangers were involved in the incident. [Brent Pennington, Chief Ranger]
Friday, April 17, 2009
Death Valley NP
Seriously Injured Woman Rescued From Darwin Canyon
Rangers Steven Powell and Rachel Brady were on patrol in Darwin Canyon around 3:30 p.m. on the afternoon of April 13th when they heard a woman shouting for help. They quickly located the 58-year-old woman above Lower Darwin Falls and found that she was suffering an angulated compound fracture to her right ankle and a probable tibia fracture to her left leg. She also had no circulation sensation or motor function (CSM) in her right foot. At the falls, Darwin Canyon is 600 feet deep and 75 feet wide and has no radio communications. Brady made a mile-and-a-half hike to get to a point where he could make radio contact while Powell cared for the woman. Ranger Mike Nattrass assumed incident command and arranged for a California Highway Patrol helicopter with a hoist to fly to the site. Meanwhile, Powell was able to reestablish CSM's in the woman's right foot. A CHP helicopter with a crew of three arrived around 6:30 p.m., navigated into the 75-foot-wide section of the canyon, and lowered a flight paramedic to assist rangers in preparing the woman for the hoist. She was lifted out just before nightfall and flown to Southern Inyo Hospital for further treatment and evaluation. Park staff have commended the actions of the CHP crew, who displayed extraordinary flying skills in less than favorable conditions. [Aaron Shandor, Backcountry District Ranger]
Friday, May 8, 2009
Death Valley NP
Barker Ranch Destroyed In Fire
The Barker Ranch, famous as the location where Charlie Manson was arrested, burned earlier this week. The park learned about the fire through a chat room report on a local web page and sent a ranger to investigate. The time and cause of the fire is not yet known, but the park has determined that visitors were there on Sunday, May 3rd, that it was in good condition at that time (the park had a restoration crew on site about a month ago), and that other visitors found it burned out on Tuesday, May 5th. An investigation is being launched. A follow-up report will be posted when it becomes available. [Terry Baldino]
Friday, May 22, 2009
Death Valley NP
Hiker Dies Of Exposure In Mesquite Sand Dunes
On the morning of Tuesday, May 19th, the park received a report of an overdue hiker in the Mesquite Sand Dunes near Stove Pipe Wells Village. The hiker was identified as J.H., 69, of Dayton, Ohio, who'd been traveling with his old college roommate, recreating a trip that the two had taken over 40 years ago. According to his traveling companion, J.H. had left their motel room at Stove Pipe Wells at 6:30 a.m., saying that he was going to the dunes to take some photographs. Rangers found his rental vehicle at the sand dunes and began a hasty search. Air temperatures reached 112 degrees Fahrenheit, with substantially higher ground temperatures within the dunes. A California Highway Patrol H80 helicopter assisted in the search. Because of the extreme conditions, searchers had to be rotated out of assignments for rest and rehabilitation at hour-and-a-half to two hour intervals. The winds picked up in the afternoon, creating some blowing sand and visibility problems. Search efforts for the first operational period ended shortly before nightfall with no sign of J.H. detected. Search efforts resumed at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, with additional resources brought in, including an air scent/cadaver dog from Inyo County Search and Rescue. The CHP H80 was back on scene by 9 a.m. and located J.H.'s body within minutes. The Inyo County coroner came to the scene and pronounced him dead. After the coroner conducted his initial investigation, J.H.'s body was flown out to the incident command post at the Stove Pipe Wells Ranger Station and was later transported to a funeral home in Lone Pine, California. An autopsy will be conducted, but all indications are that exposure, possibly combined with other significant medical issues, lead to his death, probably on the previous day. J.H. was a well-known restaurant owner in his hometown of Dayton, and news media interest from the Dayton area was high. J.H.'s wife and daughter had flown to Las Vegas overnight and arrived at the ICP at around 1 p.m. Ranger Ryan Gallagher served as IC for the incident. For a Dayton News article on Jay J.H., click on the link below. [Brent Pennington, Chief Ranger]
HYPERLINK "http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/dayton-news/haverstick-loved-dayton-was-proud-of-dayton-127829.html"
Friday, May 29, 2009
Death Valley NP
Suicide Victim Found Near Ibex Dunes
On Saturday, May 23rd, BLM ranger Dave Brenner found an unattended car on Giant Mine Road just outside the park's boundary near the Ibex Dunes area in the southeast corner of the park. A check with dispatch showed that the car belonged to a missing person who was deemed at risk and reportedly armed with a handgun. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department confirmed that the man, 52-year-old D.P. of Lancaster, California, had been missing since April 30th. Brenner subsequently found D.P.'s remains on a rock pile. There was a loaded Sig Sauer P229 40 caliber handgun near the body and only one set of tracks leading to that location, which matched the footwear found on the body. The Inyo County coroner later determined that D.P. had died of a single gunshot wound to the chest. GPS coordinates later showed that the body was approximately 150 feet inside the park boundary. D.P. was reportedly despondent over a recent separation and pending divorce. Next of kin notifications were made by the Inyo County Coroner's Office. The Inyo County Sheriff's Department is leading the investigation. [Brent Pennington, Chief Ranger]
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Death Valley NP
Body Found In Tuber Canyon
On the afternoon of May 29th, rangers received a report of a 2008 Toyota sedan that had been parked and unattended for several days at Wildrose Wash near the entrance to Tuber Canyon, a remote area on the west side of the park. Ranger Ryan Gallagher responded and conducted a hasty search of high probability areas near the car, but without success. Further investigation showed that the Toyota was a long-term rental that had been rented to a 65-year-old man from Santa Ana, California. The car was not overdue and there were no missing persons reports in NCIC or CLETS issued on the missing man. Ranger-pilot Steve Mazur flew the area in the park's Cessna 182, with district ranger Ed Derobertis acting as an observer. They searched until dark without locating the missing man. The search resumed the next morning. Personnel began working the search area at first light, and a California Highway Patrol helicopter and crew were scheduled to join them shortly thereafter if needed. One of the search teams soon found a body in Tuber Canyon about a quarter mile from the spot where the Toyota was parked. The Inyo County Sheriffs Office was notified and assumed control of the case. Investigators believe that the man died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the neck, but the case remains open pending investigation by the Inyo County Coroner's Office. [Brent Pennington, Chief Ranger]
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Death Valley NP
Korean Visitor Dies Of Heat Exposure
The park received notification that several people were down with heat-related issues at the Mesquite Dunes area near Stove Pipe Wells on the afternoon of Sunday, July 26th. Rangers were on scene within minutes and found six people at their vehicle who were all displaying symptoms indicating varying degrees of heat exposure. All were South Korean nationals. They told the rangers that another member of their party had collapsed in the dunes and had been dragged into what scant shade was available. Rangers John Fish, Jennifer Yeager, and maintenance worker Kit Oesterling, with assistance from one of the members of the party, located the woman under a creosote bush and determined that she had expired. She was identified as 52-year-old S.K. S.K. and other members of her group were from a Buddhist monastery; they were traveling together, but not as part of a commercial tour group. The ambient air temperature at the time was 123 degrees Fahrenheit, with ground temperatures approaching 140 degrees. The Inyo County Sheriffs Office and the Inyo County coroner were advised of the situation and responded. Group members were triaged and treated at the scene by rangers. Two of them showed symptoms of heat exposure, but refused further medical treatment. Communications proved to be a challenge because only a few members of the group were able to speak English and cultural protocols required them to communicate through a group elder who did not speak English. Next of kin and South Korean consulate notifications were made by the Inyo County Sheriffs Office with assistance from district ranger John Fish. Most of the rangers assigned to this mission had to be diverted to a vehicle fire at Towne Pass 13 miles west of the incident scene, leaving Fish and ranger Amber Nattrass to finish patient treatment, investigation and assist with the recovery of S.K.'s body. The Inyo County Sheriff's Office is the lead agency in this investigation. [Brent Pennington, Chief Ranger]
Monday, August 10, 2009
Death Valley NP
Boy Dies Of Exposure, Mother Survives
Rangers received several phone calls from concerned family members on the evening of August 5th regarding the failure of a woman and her son to return from a camping trip in the park. A.S., 28, a traveling nurse, was scheduled to report back to her current assignment at a Las Vegas hospital that evening, but hadn't yet appeared. The family reported that she'd planned to come to the park with her 11-year-old son to camp and visit Scotty's Castle, and that she'd sent a text message on August 1st saying that she was in the desert and changing a flat tire. Ranger Matt Martin checked the high elevation campgrounds in the Panamint Mountains (Wildrose, Mahogany Flats, and Thorndike) and district ranger Aaron Shandor checked the Furnace Creek campground and the surrounding developed area - neither with any success. Rangers then began planning for a full-scale search beginning at first light on Thursday August 6th, including the use of a VX-31 SAR helicopter from China Lake Naval Air Station. The VX-31, with rangers providing ground support, began searching the south end of the park at 6 a.m., as did other rangers and members of the Civil Air Patrol. At 10 a.m., ranger Amber Nattrass came upon a wheel rim with a flat tire and a water bottle on a dirt road leading into the Owlshead Mountains at the southwest corner of the park. Only one set of tire tracks were seen. Nattrass followed this set of tire tracks and discovered that the vehicle had left the established roadway and been driven into designated wilderness. Nattrass continued to follow the tracks and found A.S.'s vehicle just after 11 a.m. She found the woman conscious but suffering from exposure and severe dehydration; her son had not survived. Nattrass, a park medic, began treating A.S. after requesting a medevac. VX-31 with paramedics on board responded, and they began assisting Nattrass with medical care. A medevac helicopter from Mercy Air in Pahrump, Nevada, arrived and transported A.S. to Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas. Nattrass was later joined by rangers Scott Bagocious and Mike Nattrass, and an Inyo County sheriff's deputy. San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department investigators arrived later in the afternoon. San Bernadino County is leading the investigation. Lake Mead is providing CISM support. [Brent Pennington, Chief Ranger]
HYPERLINK "http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h8B3QtNKD974PokDDXFIEUlpGIcwD99UBDVG0"
Friday, August 28, 2009
Death Valley NP
Rangers Assist At Multiple Fatality Accident Just Outside Park
On Saturday, August 22nd, rangers were dispatched to a rollover accident with multiple injuries on California Highway 190 just outside the park's east boundary. Five rangers and a park VIP responded with two park ambulances and the park's crash truck. Upon arrival, they found a total of seven victims, all of them passengers in a van that had drifted off the road and rolled multiple times. All were young French nationals who were part of an organized tour group traveling with two other similar 15-passenger vans from Las Vegas. Several of them had been ejected from the van. One, a 17-year-old girl, was dead on arrival. Two who were critically injured were medevaced to Las Vegas hospitals. One of them, a 16-year-old girl who had also been ejected, was declared dead at UMC Trauma Center. The third, believed to be a 15-year-old boy, is reported to be in critical condition with multi-system trauma. The remaining four victims were transported by ground ambulances from the park, Amargosa Valley Fire and Rescue and Tecopa Fire and Rescue to hospitals in Las Vegas and Pahrump, Nevada. The driver, 32-year-old N.S., told investigators that she had fallen asleep, which resulted in the van veering off the road and rolling multiple times. Excessive speed also appears to have been a factor. The California Highway Patrol is investigating. CHP anticipates bringing in an accident reconstruction team. N.S. will probably be charged with vehicular manslaughter. For online news account of the incident go to the following link: HYPERLINK "http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090824/ap_on_re_eu/eu_france_us_bus_crash" [Brent Pennington, Chief Ranger]
Monday, November 16, 2009
Death Valley NP
Suspected Remains Of Long Missing Visitor Found
On Thursday, November 12th, rangers were contacted by two Riverside County men who advised that they had found skeletal human remains while hiking in a remote southwestern section of the park near Needle Peak. Preliminary evidence indicates that the remains may be tied to a case involving four German visitors who disappeared in the park in July of 1996. The case is being jointly investigated by the Inyo County Sheriff's Department, the Bakersfield Office of the FBI and the National Park Service. Evidence found near the scattered skeletal remains included personal identification of one of the missing German visitors. Investigators are currently on scene looking for additional evidence. Back in 1996, the case sparked a massive multiagency search that failed to turn up any trace of the German visitors. As the investigation is ongoing, more information will be provided when it becomes available. [Brent Pennington, Chief Ranger]
Monday, January 11, 2010
Death Valley NP
Rangers Rescue Four Lost Hikers
On the evening of January 6th, rangers received a report of two missing hikers reported to be hiking a route through Sheep Canyon that had recently been featured in Backpacker magazine. Subsequent interviews with family and friends of the missing hikers revealed that there were actually four members of the party, all two days overdue. Three search teams deployed on the morning of January 7th and found numerous sets of footprints matching those associated with the vehicle parked at the mouth of the canyon. Around noon, an observer on an airplane from Lake Mead spotted a large white "X", a signal fire, and a person waving at the plane on a ridge south of nearby Willow Canyon. One of the search teams located the other three individuals trapped in Willow Canyon shortly thereafter. A Navy Seahawk helicopter from China Lake Naval Weapons Center successfully hoisted all four of the hikers out of the canyon and delivered them to Ridgecrest Regional Medical Center. Initial reports were that one member of the party injured an ankle, and that the others were suffering from minor exposure and dehydration. Ranger Micah Alley served as IC during this incident. [Brent Pennington, Chief Ranger]
Monday, August 2, 2010
Death Valley NP
Man Killed In Single-Vehicle Rollover Accident
An 82-year-old Arizona man died in an unwitnessed single-vehicle rollover accident on the Scotty's Castle Road on July 28th. An ambulance (Medic 2) from Scotty's Castle, staffed by NPS interpretive and maintenance personnel, arrived on scene within a few minutes of receiving the report and found the man, who'd suffered severe traumatic injuries, still inside his Chevrolet Malibu station wagon. He had no pulse and was not breathing. An AED was employed, but displayed a "no shock" message. Meanwhile, other rangers headed to the scene, including Engine 1 from the Cow Creek Ranger Station. They twice tried an AED, but got the same message. Per protocol, life-saving measures were stopped after the third message indicating no shockable rhythm. California Highway Patrol officers assumed the lead in the investigation; the Inyo County Sheriff's Office dispatched the county coroner. The man was wearing a seatbelt but had been partially ejected on impact. Although the airbags deployed, the roof of the vehicle collapsed in the rollover. Initial investigation indicates that the man may have suffered some kind of medical episode before the car left the road. There was no evidence of excessive speed, reckless driving or alcohol use. Ranger Ryan Gallagher was the IC. [Brent Pennington, Chief Ranger]
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Death Valley NP
Search In Progress For Missing Man
The park received an "attempt to locate" message for a suicidal man just before 5 p.m. on the afternoon of Saturday, August 7th. The 72-year-old Carson City man had sent a letter to his estranged wife saying that he was heading to the park to kill himself. As rangers were conducting a hasty search of the Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells areas of the park, a county deputy found the man's van in the Badwater parking lot at the south end of the park. A suicide note was found inside. The deputy and rangers searched the surrounding area, but found no sign of him, so additional help was summoned. One of the responding ambulances and two of the responding rangers were diverted to a separate medical emergency at the Furnace Creek Inn, where a visitor was treated for seizures and medevaced out to a hospital in Las Vegas. The search continued until sundown, then resumed the next day. The high temperature during the first day of searching was 112 degrees. On Sunday, additional ground crews and CHP and China Lake Naval Air Station helicopters joined in the effort, which focused on the area from Badwater Basin to the alluvial fans at the base of the Panamint Range, plus some of the side canyons in the Black Mountains immediately east of Badwater. No sign of the man was found. Ground crews were pulled out of the field at 1 p.m. due to exhaustion and heat concerns; the air search continued until storms grounded aircraft at 3:30 p.m. Yesterday, three ground teams and a SAR dog team from Nye County resumed the search. An investigation is underway, which is also looking into the possibility that the man is not in the park. [Brent Pennington, Chief Ranger]
Friday, August 27, 2010
Death Valley NP
Restaurant Suffers Serious Damage In Fire
Park personnel responded to a report of a structural fire in the Stovepipe Wells Village around 2 a.m. on Thursday, August 26th. They found that the rear part of a kitchen area and an employee dining area were fully engulfed in flame. The building is a government-owned, concession-operated restaurant. A van adjacent to the building had already burned completely. Concessioner and Beatty volunteer firefighters helped knock down the blaze. There were two minor injuries to non-government firefighters. Initial investigation indicates that fire may have started in the van, which contained chemicals used in fire suppression that can become flammable under pressure. The building suffered extensive structural damage but is being considered a save. It was being inspected at the time of the report to determine the extent of the damage. [Aaron Shandor, Acting Chief Ranger]
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Death Valley NP
Investigation Underway Into Shots Fired At Security Guard
Rangers were dispatched to the Furnace Creek Ranch Resort just after 3 a.m. on September 9th to investigate a report of shots fired. The ranch is a large resort complex managed by Xanterra Corporation and is a private inholding within the park. Rangers regularly respond to the full range of emergencies there based on an agreement with Xanterra Resorts and the Inyo County Sheriff's Office. Four rangers and a resident California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer responded and met a Xanterra security guard at the scene. The guard said that he'd just entered the Furnace Creek firehouse to get a drink and use the restroom when he noticed a light on in the security and fire manager's office and saw a man emerged wearing a Nomex fire shroud covering his face. When confronted, the man told him that he was there to "steal some crap and sell it for his family." The man then produced and brandished a handgun. The guard said that he told the man to take what he wanted and that he would not try to stop him (the guard was not armed, per company policy), then started to back out of the building. The burglar left the building, using a side door without taking anything. The guard waited a few seconds, then left the building using the same door, reaching for the portable radio on his belt as he did so. As he approached the front of the building, he saw the burglar, who turned and fired three shots at him. The guard retreated back into the firehouse and called the front desk to request help. Two of the shots entered the firehouse and an adjacent building. One of the rounds went through and flattened a tire on the Xanterra security vehicle that the guard had been driving. The responding rangers secured the crime scene and awaited the arrival of Inyo County officers, who have primary jurisdiction on incidents of this type. The first deputy arrived on scene 45 minutes later. By 6 a.m., additional deputies, a county detective and a crime scene technician had arrived along with a second CHP officer. At daybreak, a CHP airplane arrived and began flying transects over the Furnace Creek developed area and surrounding mesquite bosques. Chief Ranger Brent Pennington also arrived on scene. After Pennington made the required notifications, Lake Mead Special Agent Mike Blandford was assigned to assist. Back at the ranch, it was discovered that bolt cutters had been used to cut the lock on a compound securing golf carts next to the pro shop and that six old car batteries had been placed there while six new interstate batteries were removed and possibly stolen. It's not known at present whether this incident is related to the one at the firehouse. Rangers and officers established a large perimeter, which included most of the Furnace Creek developed area. Before dawn, rangers cleared and evacuated about 30 campers from the Furnace Creek Campground. The Furnace Creek visitor center and headquarters complex was also cleared and evacuated. Non-involved NPS employees worked from the Cow Creek offices for virtually the entire day. A checkpoint was established at the entrance to Furnace Creek Ranch. No vehicles were allowed to enter and all departing vehicles were checked and searched. At 9 a.m., Xanterra management decided to open all their facilities for normal business. Based on recommendations from her senior protection division staff, the superintendent decided to keep the visitor center and headquarters complex closed while there was any chance that an armed individual remained in the area. Responding officers investigated several reported sightings of a man matching the suspect's description, but the reports were either unfounded or the potential suspect had left the area prior to the officers' arrival. By mid-afternoon, the perimeter was withdrawn and only the immediate crime scene remained secured. All but two officers had cleared the scene by 4 p.m. Blandford arrived on scene at about this time and was briefed on the incident. He stayed overnight at the Furnace Creek Ranch in case anything else transpired. All other rangers were demobilized by 5 p.m. The case remains under investigation by the county sheriff's office, but at this time there have been no arrests and no suspects have been identified. [Brent Pennington, Chief Ranger]
Friday, October 1, 2010
Death Valley NP
Eight Injured In Tour Bus Accident
On the afternoon of Tuesday, September 28th, rangers responded to a report of a bus accident with injuries at Milepost 9 on the Badwater Road (California Highway 178) within Death Valley National Park. The rangers who were first on scene assessed the situation and requested additional resources. Investigators believe that the bus driver experienced a stroke or some other sort of medical episode, which caused the vehicle to drift back and forth across both road shoulders, incurring damage to the lower front end and undercarriage, before it came to a stop. The tour bus was transporting a group of elderly French nationals. The language barrier presented a problem throughout the incident, since most of the passengers spoke very little English. The driver, the tour guide and two other passengers were medevaced to University Medical Center in Las Vegas using helicopters from Mercy Air and the California Highway Patrol. Four other passengers were taken to Las Vegas hospitals by ground ambulances from Nye County, Nevada. The uninjured passengers were picked up by a separate tour bus from another company and were transported to Furnace Creek Ranch Resort, where they were provided a meal at tour company expense and sheltered in the Furnace Creek Visitor Center auditorium until another bus from the same tour company picked up the group at about 11 p.m. Park employee Marilyn Pitassi, who is fluent in German and French, was able to serve as an interpreter for this group and was instrumental in keeping the group calm and informed. CHP is leading the investigation into the accident and supervised the towing and removal of the bus. Employees from all divisions of the park assisted with this incident in various capacities, including nine recently trained first responders from interpretation, maintenance and resource management. This cooperation and the efforts from all the out of park resources was crucial to the success of the mission. Ranger Matt Martin was IC. [Brent Pennington, Chief Ranger]
Friday, October 1, 2010
Death Valley NP
Ailing Hiker Rescued From Panamints
While the response to the above-noted bus accident was in progress, rangers were notified of a SAR in progress involving two young men who were attempting to hike from Badwater to Mount Whitney. The two men got as far as Hanaupah Canyon in the Panamint Range, and then decided to discontinue the hike. They'd gotten back to Shorty's Well at the base of the eastern edge of the Panamints when one of the men began exhibiting signs of distress and couldn't go any further. His companion hiked across the salt flat to their vehicle at the Badwater parking lot and drove to the bus accident scene and reported the incident to the rangers there. China Lake Naval Air Station's SAR helicopter was dispatched. The crew found the man and transported him to the Furnace Creek Airport, where he was evaluated by a team of ranger-EMTs and was released. He appeared to be exhausted and suffering from minor dehydration, but was otherwise uninjured. Ranger Matt Martin was IC. [Brent Pennington, Chief Ranger]
Monday, January 10, 2011
Death Valley NP
Man Commits Suicide In Mesquite Dunes
A visitor contacted ranger Andy Griggs on the afternoon of Monday, January 3rd, and reported that he'd heard a gunshot and seen a possible suicide in the Mesquite Dunes complex near Stove Pipe Wells. Griggs radioed for assistance and was soon joined by three other rangers and a CHP officer. They found the victim on the tallest sand dune in the complex, approximately two miles from the Mesquite Dunes parking lot. He appeared to have suffered a self-inflicted gunshot to the head. A .45 caliber handgun was found next to him. The man was still breathing but was unresponsive when rangers first arrived on scene; they began treating his injuries and placed him on high flow oxygen by non-re-breather mask. He went into respiratory arrest, then, a few minutes later, cardiac arrest. The rangers conducted CPR for about 15 minutes before lifesaving measures were terminated based on existing protocols. The Inyo County Sheriff's Office was notified and took the lead in the subsequent investigation. A suicide note was found in the victim's pocket. He was identified as a 23-year-old man from Buena Park, California. [Brent Pennington, Chief Ranger]
Friday, April 15, 2011
Death Valley NP
Hiker Pleads Guilty To ARPA Violation
Ranger Mike Nattrass was contacted on March 10, 2007, regarding an overdue hiker in the Saline Valley area. He soon located and contacted the hiker, a 65-year-old man from Carpinteria, California. During the ensuing conversation, the hiker admitted that he had just surface collected 272 artifacts from an archaeological site within the park. Archeological field work was done by Joshua Tree NP archaeologist Jan Keswick shortly thereafter and an ARPA damage assessment report was subsequently completed. Additional investigative work was done by rangers John Fish, Jason Flood, Don Whyte and a special agent. On March 9th of this year, the man pled guilty to one misdemeanor ARPA count. He was sentenced to six months of unsupervised probation, payment of $600 in restitution to the park, and payment of a $25 penalty assessment. [Brent Pennington, Chief Ranger]
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Death Valley NP
Charges Filed In Continuing ARPA Investigation
In December 2001, a ranger saw two people collecting historic and prehistoric artifacts in the park. Further investigation by BLM, FWS and NPS officers resulted in the service of numerous search warrants, the recovery of over 11,000 artifacts and the convictions of seven individuals and a corporation for violations of the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA). During the searches and subsequent proffer sessions with one of the defendants, information was obtained concerning the sale of looted archaeological resources to commercial entities in southern California. Based upon this evidence, a covert investigation was begun in 2004 on a southern California gallery by NPS and FWS agents. Numerous commercial transactions of archaeological resources illegally removed from federal lands were conducted with the gallery. During the investigation, the gallery owner, despite knowing the artifacts had been illegally removed from federal and Indian lands, created false documents stating the artifacts had been collected on private land before the passage of ARPA to "launder" the relics. The gallery owner subsequently pled guilty to felony ARPA charges (16 USC 470ee (b) & (d)) and agreed to provide substantial assistance concerning other suspects. Throughout the period from 2007 to 2009, the gallery owner worked on behalf of the government, conducting covert contacts with other dealers. The cooperator completed numerous commercial transactions involving looted and smuggled material that has thus far resulted in the charging of two individuals and one company with felony violations of ARPA. Additional felony ARPA charges are pending against other suspects. The gallery owner was sentenced in September 2009. The defendant was fined $20,000, and, due to the substantial assistance rendered, placed on two years' supervised probation rather than being sentenced to prison. [Todd Swain, Special Agent]
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Death Valley NP
Missing Man's Body Found After Major Search
On March 13th, rangers received a report of a missing and overdue camper at Mesquite Springs Campground in the northern part of the park. The missing man, 68-year-old G.K. of San Francisco, was part of a commercial bicycle tour group that was passing through the park. G.K. was last seen around the group campfire on Monday evening and was reported missing the following morning. His bike, camping gear, cell phone and personal effects were still in camp. Rangers began a hasty search when they arrived on scene, but were unable to find G.K. Assistance was requested from the Inyo County Sheriff's Office and its SAR team that afternoon. A Sea Hawk helicopter from China Lake Naval Air Station was also requested and arrived on scene in early afternoon. The pilot flew expanding circles around the point last seen, but was unable to spot G.K. and left at nightfall. Nellis Air Force Base then provided a HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FLIR" FLIR-equipped C-130 and two Black Hawk helicopters with night vision capabilities, which flew the expanded search area from 7 until 10 p.m., also without success. Over the next three days, search efforts intensified, with more dog teams and more personnel from Inyo and San Bernardino County SAR teams participating. An investigative unit was established on Thursday consisting of an ISB special agent and a sergeant from Inyo County to investigate the possibility that G.K. was not in the search area or had become a crime victim. Aircraft continued to fly the area most of the day and into the night, including an F-18 fighter equipped with FLIR, the C-130, and the two Black Hawks. Ground searchers focused on slot canyons, box canyons, mesquite thickets and ravines that were not visible from the air. On Friday, the military aircraft were not available. The California Highway Patrol provided an H-80 helicopter that remained with the search until mid-afternoon, when winds increased to the point that further flights in the search area would be hazardous. Family members, including G.K.'s spouse, arrived in the park on Thursday. By Friday, there were approximately 60 ground searchers on scene, including dog teams and an overhead ICS team provided by San Bernardino County SO. At the end of the day on Friday, search efforts were temporarily suspended due to approaching hazardous weather that included heavy rains, wind and decreased temperatures. Since most of the search area is in braided wash terrain and drains most of the adjoining Cottonwood Mountains. there was substantial potential for flash flooding. The hazardous weather continued throughout the weekend and into Monday, March 19th.
On Tuesday, March 20th, a much down-sized search effort was resumed at with about 20 ground searchers and a CARDA dog team in the field following up on the few clues that had been located to this point. Participating ground searchers were from Inyo, Kern, San Bernardino, Tulare and Mono Counties as well as the China Lake Mountain Rescue Team. On Tuesday afternoon, ground searchers found a body, believed to be G.K.'s, in a small ravine about a mile northeast of the campground and a quarter mile from the paved Scotty's Castle Road. The Inyo County coroner was called to the scene. Key personnel on this incident for the NPS were rangers Micah Alley (IC for the incident, then deputy IC when Inyo County assumed command), Matt Martin (air operations supervisor), Lynne Stokes (family liaison), and ISB special agent Brian Lake (investigation). [Brent Pennington, Chief Ranger]
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Death Valley NP
Injured Woman Rescued From Park Canyon
On the evening of Saturday, April 14th, dispatch advised rangers that a woman had broken her ankle in an unnamed canyon near Artist's Palette along the Badwater Road. Rangers immediately launched a hasty response and found the woman several hundred yards up from the parking lot at Artist's Palette. She had climbed up a side canyon, scaling several dry waterfalls, and was returning when she jumped from a ledge, injuring her ankle. She was conscious and oriented but unable to move due to severe pain. Local search and rescue helicopters were contacted due to the treacherous terrain, waning light, and dropping temperatures. No air assets were able to respond, however, due to high winds and deteriorating weather, so a rescue team consisting of six rangers, two volunteers and other park staff was assembled despite lower than normal staffing levels. Just before 10 p.m., the rescue team began a technical evacuation, lowering the woman and litter over two dry falls and carrying her out to the road. The team reached the road at 11:30 p.m. and she was transferred to an NPS ambulance and taken to Las Vegas via a rendezvous with a Las Vegas-based ambulance company in Lathrop Wells. The incident concluded on Sunday at 3 a.m. Ranger Amber Nattrass was the IC. [Brent Pennington, Chief Ranger]
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Death Valley NP
Swiss Motorcyclist Killed In Accident
Just before midnight on Sunday, April 15th, park dispatch advised rangers of a motorcycle accident with a probable fatality in the remote southern end of the park. Rangers found the motorcycle's operation about eight feet away from a badly damaged motorcycle. Evidence at the scene indicated that he failed to navigate a wide, sweeping curve in the road, hit the shoulder berm, and flipped several times before coming to rest approximately 30 feet from the road. He was pronounced dead at the scene shortly thereafter. The victim has been identified as 71-year-old H.K., a Swiss national. He was on a motorcycle tour with a group of friends at the time of the accident. [Brent Pennington, Chief Ranger]
Monday, September 17, 2012
Death Valley NP
Endurance Athlete Dies After Solo Run
On the afternoon of August 7th, rangers investigated a report of an unresponsive man on the Badwater Road at the southern end of the park. Ranger Tim Duncan, on detail from Mojave National Preserve, arrived at a location approximately six miles south of the Badwater parking lot to find several motor vehicle testers performing CPR on a man later identified as endurance athlete M.P. Ranger Matt Martin and park volunteer Mike Wehmeyer arrived shortly thereafter and assumed patient care. A Mercy Air helicopter was dispatched to evacuate M.P., who was transported by ambulance to the Badwater parking lot to await the helicopter's arrival. He was pronounced dead by the Mercy Air crew. M.P. was attempting to run across Badwater Basin from Shorty's Well on the west to the Badwater parking lot on the east, a distance of approximately 6.25 miles. No marked route exists between the two locations, and the ground surface of Badwater basin is typically knee-deep mud even in the middle of the summer. M.P. began his run with four 16-ounce bottles of ice water. The high temperature recorded on the day was 123 degrees Fahrenheit. [Lynne Stokes, District Ranger]
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Death Valley NP
Park Engine Company Suppresses Vehicle Fire
On the afternoon of July 10th, rangers responded to a report of a vehicle fire at the Dante's View parking lot. Ranger Dave Brenner, who was first to arrive at the scene, found a fully involved two-door convertible. Brenner determined that the car's two occupants were uninjured and not in the vehicle. He then evacuated the other vehicles in the parking lot and secured the steep, narrow, winding road that approached the lot in anticipation of the arrival of the park fire engine. Death Valley Rescue Engine 1 arrived on scene staffed by park volunteer Mike Wehmeyer and park maintenance employee Pete Avena. Rangers Jacob Tung and Matt Martin arrived on scene several minutes later and joined the fire suppression efforts. The fire was quickly suppressed, but, unfortunately, no salvageable property was recovered from the car. The couple from Belgium, who were on their honeymoon, lost everything, including their identification, protection division administrative assistant Marilyn Pitassi provided translation services for the couple to ensure that the rental car, food and lodging were taken care of, including setting up appointments with the Belgian consulate for the next day in Los Angeles. Furnace Creek Ranch, located on private property inside the park, graciously assisted the couple with accommodations for the evening. [Lynne Stokes, District Ranger]
Monday, November 26, 2012
Death Valley NP
Firefighters Respond To Recreational Vehicle Blaze
On the evening of Saturday, November 17th, the campground hosts at Stovepipe Wells saw flames coming from the right rear tires of a 40-foot motor home parked near the gas station. They called 911 and also notified the driver, who was unaware of the flames. Stovepipe Wells rangers responded with Engine 3 within six minutes of the report and found the rear half of the RV fully involved. They protected exposures until additional firefighters arrived. Cow Creek rangers arrived in Engine 1 and a light rescue truck 30 minutes later. The Beatty Volunteer Fire Department also responded to assist. During the overhaul of the fire, two medical aid calls came into park dispatch as a result of the fire. One was a concession employee who fell while running to watch the fire; the second was one of the occupants of the motor home, who had a significant medical history and had lost all his medications in the fire. Both were treated by firefighter/EMTs; both declined transport to a medical facility. Investigation revealed that the driver wanted to get to the campground before dark and did not use the engine brake, only the foot brake, while descending nearly 5,000 feet from Townes Pass. Employees and VIPS from the visitor and resource protection and maintenance divisions managed the incident. [Micah Alley, Cow Creek District Ranger]
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Death Valley NP
Rangers Assist In Delivering Baby
H.D.T., newborn daughter of park residents P.T. and C.T., arrived at their home just before 8 a.m. on the morning of February 10th. Ranger/medic Amber Nattrass and ranger/EMT Mike Nattrass assisted in the delivery along with a flight crew from Mercy Medical Air Flight Service. H.D.T. weighed in at seven pounds and measured 19 inches long. This was the first birth recorded in the park in many years. Mom and daughter were flown to Mountain View Hospital in Las Vegas as a precaution and are now at home and doing fine. [Karen McKinlay-Jones, Chief Ranger]
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Death Valley NP
Rangers Respond To Several Significant Incidents
Rangers dealt with a series of significant incidents over the course of the week of May 19th. A dumpster fire on Monday was followed on Tuesday with a response to a fatal traffic accident in Emigrant Canyon which required victim extrication and is now being investigated by the California Highway Patrol as a possible suicide. Within an hour of clearing from that accident, a wildland fire was reported in the north end of the park at Scotty's Castle. Over the next few days, while all park staff were addressing the 15-acre Scotty's Fire, which threatened numerous cultural resources, rangers also responded to five more traffic accidents, one of which was a DUI and several of which required medical transport. Ranger staff also responded to four additional medical incidents, most of which required transport and one of which is currently being investigated as a possible suicide attempt. [Karen McKinlay-Jones, Chief Ranger]
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Death Valley NP
Park Staff Respond To Mass Casualty Incident
On Sunday, April 27th, rangers received a report of a single vehicle rollover accident on Scotty's Castle Road just south of the unstaffed Grapevine Ranger Station.
A ranger in Furnace Creek, located an hour south of the accident scene, responded to the call and began requesting assistance from off-duty rangers and personnel from outside the park for a mutual aid response. Two rangers returning from an assault in the Saline Valley, two hours west, began responding as well.
The Furnace Creek ranger was able to contact interpreters working in Scotty's Castle who responded in an NPS ambulance staffed at the First Responder level. When the interpreters arrived on scene, they saw victims being triaged by other visitors outside of the ranger station and later learned that the latter were active and reserve military personnel who were on vacation in the park.
The five victims had severe burns to their faces, arms, legs and feet, with possible broken bones and one head injury. As rangers arrived on scene, they began coordinating with Mercy Air Ambulance for helicopter evacuations. Additional help in the form of local volunteer fire and ambulance companies from Nevada, California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers, and sheriff's deputies from Nevada and California soon arrived on scene.
Responders were able to triage and evacuate four of the injured by helicopter. The fifth was determined to be stable and was taken by ground ambulance to University Medical Center in Las Vegas.
A total of ten agencies from two states responded to the mass casualty incident. CHP is taking the lead in investigating the traffic collision.
[J.D. Updegraff, District Ranger]
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Death Valley NP
Body Of British Actor Found Near Zabriskie Point
The body of British actor D.L., best known for his role as werewolf Fenrir Greyback in three of the 'Harry Potter' films, was discovered by hikers in the badlands near Zabriskie Point on July 6th.
Temperatures at the time of his death were as much as 118° to 123°F. This is the second heat-related death in the park this summer. Hiking is not recommended in the low elevations of Death Valley in the summer.
The Inyo County Sheriff's Office is handling the investigation.
[Death Valley Facebook page]
Friday, October 24, 2014
Office Of Communications
Investigation Underway Into Vandalism At Multiple Parks
The National Park Service is investigating reports of vandalism - acrylic painting on rocks - in at least ten national parks in Arizona, California, Colorado, Oregon, and Utah.
Details are not yet available because the case is under investigation, but the vandalism is believed to have occurred in the following parks (asterisks indicate that confirmation is pending at a particular area) - Grand Canyon*, Yosemite, Death Valley, Sequoia-Kings Canyon*, Joshua Tree*, Rocky Mountain*, Crater Lake, Bryce Canyon*, Zion and Canyonlands.
Said a Washington Office spokesperson: "There are forums for artistic expression in national parks because national parks inspire artistic creativity. These images are outside that forum and outside the law."
The link below is to a representative media report on the investigation.
HYPERLINK "http://gazette.com/vandalism-investigated-at-10-national-parks-including-rocky-mountain-national-park/article/1540003"
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Office of Communications
Suspect Identified In Vandalism At Eight National Parks
A 21-year-old New York State woman, C.N., has been identified as the primary suspect in recent vandalism cases that affect eight national parks in the western United States.
National Park Service investigators have confirmed that images were painted on rocks and boulders in Yosemite National Park, Death Valley National Park, and Joshua Tree National Park, all in California; Rocky Mountain National Park and Colorado National Monument, both in Colorado; Crater Lake National Park, in Oregon; Zion National Park and Canyonlands National Park, both in Utah.
Investigators continue to collect evidence of the crimes and conduct interviews and are consulting with the U.S. Attorney's Office about potential charges.
The image in Rocky Mountain National Park was reported to the park and removed in late September before similar images were found in the other national parks. Ice and snow now cover the image at Crater Lake National Park, and it may not be accessible for assessment and clean up until next summer. An image in Yosemite National Park was removed by an unknown person or persons.
If people visiting these parks come upon these images, they should contact the nearest park ranger with information about the image location. Visitors should not attempt to remove the images.
The National Park Service was contacted on October 20th about this vandalism case. The investigation began immediately.
[Jeffrey Olson]
Monday, February 2, 2015
Death Valley NP
Rangers Successfully Intervene In Attempted Suicide
On January 26th, law enforcement rangers received a report from the Inyo County Sheriff's Office regarding a possible suicidal person in in Death Valley. The sheriff's office had few details other than that he was posting ominous messages to Facebook about his intention to end his life in the park, adding that he was just searching for the right location.
Through investigation, rangers determined that he owned and might be in possession of three handguns, a 12 gauge shotgun, knives, and medieval weaponry. It was also learned that he might be intending to harm law enforcement officers.
Rangers monitored the man's Facebook page and began searching areas with enough connectivity to post messages and pictures to the internet. Drawing from the terrain features in the background of his photographs, rangers put together a likely search area. They also contacted the man's cell phone provider and requested that they attempt to geo-locate the phone through "pinging", which was unsuccessful.
On January 27th, the man posted a photograph of himself pointing to his chosen area. Rangers quickly identified the area where the photograph was taken and responded. A short time later the cell phone provider located the man's cell phone in the same area identified in the photograph.
The rangers found him and made a high-risk traffic stop. An Inyo County Sheriff's Office deputy arrived on scene after the stop was made and placed the man in custody on a California Welfare and Institutions Code 5150 for a mental health assessment.
[J.D. Updegraff, Supervisory Park Ranger]
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Death Valley NP
Suicide Victim's Body Found In Desert
On February 10th, a Death Valley employee reported that a vehicle parked along the Beatty Cutoff Road had not moved for several days. A protection ranger responded to the area and ran the vehicle's registration through dispatch.
Based on the information gathered, the ranger was able to locate the registered owner's mother and conduct a phone interview. During the course of the interview, the ranger found that the registered owner was a diagnosed schizophrenic and that he might not be still taking his medication.
The ranger notified Inyo County Sheriff's Office, which took the lead in the investigation. On February 11th, a California Highway Patrol helicopter joined the search and flew areas peripheral to the parked vehicle. Rangers assisted by conducting a ground search and directing the aircraft's flight patterns.
As nighttime fell over the valley, the sheriff's office decided to scale back its efforts due to the size of the search area. Over ensuing days, rangers continued to search the area by ground, attempting to locate any sign of someone walking into the desert. On February 16th, a ranger found a faint footprint in an adjacent drainage and called for additional ground searchers.
After tracking the footprints for more than a mile, rangers found the man's body in remote drainage. They also found a handgun with the slide locked to the rear and spent cartridges next to the body. The Inyo County Sheriff's Office and county coroner were notified and arrived on scene shortly thereafter.
Rangers conducted a carryout and the body was transferred to the coroner for further investigation.
[J.D. Updegraff, District Ranger]
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Death Valley NP
Two Day Search Ends With Rescue
On the evening of Monday, March 23rd, rangers received a report that a visitor was stranded on a ledge in Golden Canyon, a popular hiking area in Death Valley. Rangers hiked the trail system by headlamp but were unable to locate the visitor.
On Tuesday, park personnel were able to make voice contact with the nab, who was trapped at the top of a series of dry waterfalls, some of which were greater than 100 feet high. Rangers directed a U.S. Navy search and rescue helicopter to his location, where he was hoisted into the aircraft without incident.
He was flown to the Furnace Creek Airfield, where he was medically evaluated and debriefed. He said that he left the main trail system and began following a series of social trails until he became "cliffed out". Once he realized that he was trapped he sheltered in place overnight and awaited rescue.
Search and rescue efforts were supported by members of protection, fee collection, interpretation, resource management, maintenance, and management branches, as well as military personnel from the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake.
[J.D. Updegraff, District Ranger]
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Death Valley NP
Lost Visitor Rescued After A Week In The Desert
On Saturday, May 9th, rangers received a report that a white pickup truck had been parked for several days at Saline Valley Dunes, a remote area only accessible to 4x4 vehicles.
Rangers searched the area on Sunday but were unable to locate anyone associated with the truck. Through investigation, they determined that it had been rented by a single person and had not been returned by the rental contract's termination date.
On Monday, the Beverly Hills Police Department checked at the man's home and confirmed that he was overdue and a search was begun. Rangers were joined by Inyo County SAR, China Lake Mountain Rescue, and California Highway Patrol's helicopter H80.
On Tuesday morning, H80 was re-tasked to another SAR which was occurring simultaneously at Mesquite Sand Dunes. Once H80 cleared Mesquite Sand Dunes, the crew returned to assist in the Saline Valley search efforts. San Bernadino, Tehachapi, California Rescue Dog Association, and Kern Valley SAR groups also joined the search. Around 10 a.m., H80 located the missing man, who was roughly five miles from his vehicle and to the east of the dune complex.
The man reportedly set out alone for a day hike on the morning of Tuesday, May 5th, and became disoriented. Unable to find his way back to his vehicle, he followed a group of burros to a watering hole where he subsisted until rescue arrived. The man was transported to Northern Inyo Hospital where he is being treated for second degree sunburn and a HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhabdomyolysis" rhabdomyolysis.
[J.D. Updegraff, District Ranger]
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Death Valley NP
Rangers Cite Numerous Gumball 3000 Rally Drivers
On Friday, May 29th, drivers in HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gumball_3000" Gumball 3000, an international supercar rally, completed the last leg of their 3,000 mile journey through Death Valley National Park, ending in Las Vegas.
Rangers patrolled the Highway 190 corridor in both marked and unmarked vehicles and were assisted by a California Highway Patrol airplane.
During the event, rangers issued over a dozen citations for violations such as speed and unsafe operation and observed vehicles traveling as fast as 140 mph.
[J.D. Updegraff, District Ranger]
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Death Valley NP
Mother And Child Rescued From Trail In Extreme Heat Conditions
On the afternoon of Monday, August 3rd, rangers received a report that a mother and son were experiencing severe heat exhaustion on the Golden Canyon Trail, a popular hiking route in Death Valley.
The father, now at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, left his family on the trail and sought help when his wife and son were too exhausted to continue. Rangers responded to the visitor center and learned that the eight-year-old child and 49-year-old mother had just a half liter of water between them when the father left them an hour previously. The father also said that his wife and son had been vomiting and had been on the trail since 9 a.m. The air temperature at the time was 120 F.
Rangers immediately responded and began hiking the trail, carrying copious amounts of water and medical supplies. After roughly thirty minutes of searching, the rangers located the mother and son, who were lying face down in the shade of a cliff face. Both were responsive but were completely out of water.
Rangers administered care to both mother and son, who were stable and denied throwing up. Once they had been cooled, the rangers assisted them in walking out of the canyon. When they arrived at the ambulance, staged at the entrance to the canyon, the mother declined any further medical care for her and her son.
[J.D. Updegraff, District Ranger]
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
Death Valley NP
Fossil Footprints Stolen From Park
Rangers recently discovered that fossil footprints had been removed from the park. Trackways of mammals and birds were formed about three to five million years ago when the animals left footprints in a muddy area. Scientists visiting the area discovered that the fossils were missing during a recent visit and reported the theft to rangers.
Backpackers in the area were photographed and may have witnessed the crime or have information about those responsible. Investigators are offering up to $1,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of those responsible.
Source: News 3, Las Vegas.
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Death Valley NP
Woman Suffers Third-Degree Burns In Barefoot Walk Across Sand
A woman walking barefoot in Death Valley suffered third-degree burns to her feet earlier this month.
The woman lost her sandals in the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and walked about a half-mile barefoot on the sand. An ambulance took her to a hospital for treatment.
Rangers say that the temperature of the sand was not recorded, but ground temperatures in Death Valley are frequently higher than official temperatures, which are recorded about four feet off the ground in the shade. Ground temperatures above 200 degrees have been recorded in the park.
Death Valley hit 126 degrees on Tuesday, June 20th, and a high of 125 degrees was forecast for Thursday. The Wrangler Restaurant at Furnace Creek in Death Valley was forced to close on Tuesday when its air-conditioning system broke down.
Rangers are warning visitors not to stray from air-conditioned vehicles for more than 15 minutes, avoid activity in the middle of the day, wear a hat and sunscreen, and drink plenty of water. They also advise visitors to spend more time at higher, cooler, parts of the park.
Source: The Sacramento Bee via EMS1.com webpage.
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Death Valley National Park
Storm Blows Roof Off Historic Building, Causes Other Damage
A powerful storm system brought heavy rains and wind to the park on September 11th.. Extremely high winds in the Cow Creek administrative area blew the roof off of a historic office building dating back to the Civilian Conservation Corps era of the 1930s. Windows were blown out of four vehicles belonging to staff living at Cow Creek. Roofs of five other buildings at Stovepipe Wells were also damaged.
Although the wind speed was estimated to have reached 100 mph, it didn't last long. After the winds died down, rangers discovered the missing roof and covered up computers and office equipment to protect them from the rain.
"The atmosphere during this storm was very dry below the storm cell," said National Weather Service Meteorologist Alex Boothe. "Microbursts occur when rain falls into very dry air causing evaporational cooling. The cooled air sinks rapidly and spreads in all directions as it hits the ground."
As the winds blew and heavy rains fell, rangers were called to the Inn at Death Valley to respond to a tree fire a palm tree had been struck by lightning and was smoldering in the
crown. Rangers were able to quickly extinguish the fire burning in the garden area west of the Inn.
Several roads and a campground were closed due to the storm North Highway/Scotty's Castle Road, Titus Canyon Road, and Mesquite Campground. All other roads and facilities are open.
Source: News Release, Death Valley National Park.
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Death Valley National Park
Drive Of Tractor-Trailer Rig Killed In Rollover Accident
A fatal tractor-trailer accident occurred on California 190 west of Towne Pass in the park on the morning of Monday, October 23rd.
D.W., a 51-year-old Pahrump, Nevada, resident, was driving a 1986 Peterbilt tractor hauling equipment on a flatbed trailer. The big rig truck was traveling at a high rate of speed when it veered off the road on the north side and rolled several times. D.W. was ejected from the vehicle and sustained fatal injuries.
California Highway Patrol officers, Death Valley National Park rangers, and the Inyo County coroner responded. The accident is under investigation by CHP.
Both of the truck's fuel tanks ruptured, spilling approximately 150 to 200 gallons of diesel fuel. California Department of Transportation personnel conducted the clean up.
This was the third vehicle-related fatality in Death Valley National Park this year. Source: News release with photo, Death Valley NP.
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Death Valley National Park
Park Staff Wash Away Latest Graffiti
Park employees had to roll out about 600 feet of hose to erase the latest graffiti at Death Valley.
Sometime in late October, unknown vandals scratched letters and symbols as large as 20 feet high and 40 feet across into the mud bottom of Ubehebe Crater at the northern end of the park.
After hearing complaints from visitors about the graffiti, the park dispatched a water tanker and a team of seven park employees to the crater on November 7th.
The cleanup crew ran a hose from the tanker to the bottom of the active volcano and soaked the scars in the dried mud, allowing the surface to return to its natural color and appearance.
"The marks would likely have been erased by the next significant rainfall, but that can be a long wait in Death Valley," the park said in a statement. Park workers could also have raked away the graffiti, but that could have opened the ground to invasion by nonnative weeds, officials said.
Death Valley has seen a rash of theft and vandalism in recent years, including visitors illegally driving on Racetrack Playa and the salt pan at Badwater Basin, "decorating" rocks as part of unauthorized art projects in the park, and stealing Indian artifacts and fossilized footprints left by prehistoric animals.
Ubehebe Crater is considered sacred to the Timbisha Shoshone tribe and important to scientists studying everything from volcanism to soil and rock samples collected by rovers on Mars.
Source: News story, Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Death Valley National Park
Two Plead Guilty To Break-In At Devils Hole
Two men have pled guilty to federal charges stemming from a 2016 break-in at Devils Hole, a protected spring pool in the park that is home to a critically endangered fish.
E.R. of North Las Vegas and S.S. of Pahrump pleaded guilty to destruction of government property for their actions at Devils Hole on April 30, 2016. The men fired a gun and damaged government equipment, including locks, the security system, scientific monitoring equipment and several signs at the water-filled cavern about 90 miles west of Las Vegas.
As part of their plea, they agreed to pay $5,622.83 in restitution and face a maximum penalty of up to one year in prison and a fine of $100,000. E.R. and S.S. are to be sentenced next month.
A third man, T.S. of Indian Springs, faces charges of destruction of government property, violating the Endangered Species Act, and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.
After the men broke into the fenced cavern, T.S. waded into the water and onto a shallow rocky shelf where the endangered Devils Hole pupfish feeds, mates and lays its eggs. The Devils Hole pupfish has been under federal protection since 1967. Only about 100 are left in the wild, and the only place they live is in Devils Hole.
Investigators said the men were caught with the help of tips from the public. Sources: Death Valley NP news release, Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Death Valley National Park
Truck Accident Leads To Hazmat Spill
On the afternoon of Monday, March 12th, a truck driver heading east on California Highway 190 lost control of his vehicle near Emigrant Campground. The truck careened into the desert, landed on its side, and caught on fire.
Rangers responded with an ambulance and kept visitors away from the burning truck filled with chemicals. Around two hours later, mutual aid from Nye County, Nevada, came in the form of hazmat and medical personnel, as well as a fire engine. Units from the California Highway Patrol, Inyo County, and Cal Trans also responded.
Highway 190 was closed for over seven hours while the accident scene was being investigated. A National Park Service ambulance transferred the injured driver to the hospital.
The truck contained a slurry mix of cyanide and diluted and neutralized chromatic acid. The company for whom the driver is employed is working with park resource staff to clean up the spill.
Source: Death Valley NP news release.
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Death Valley National Park
Plantation With 4,000 Marijuana Plants Found In Park
Over 4,000 illegal marijuana plants were found during a raid in Death Valley National Park on July 3rd.
Hikers came upon three men installing an irrigation hose near a spring in Hanaupah Canyon. The hikers thought that the men worked for NPS, so they asked them what they were doing. One of the men answered, "Growing marijuana. You won't tell the cops, will you?"
Rangers from NPS and the Bureau of Land Management raided the site and found four garden plots, but no workers.
"Even though California and Nevada have passed laws legalizing marijuana sale, it remains illegal at the federal level," said Superintendent Mike Reynolds. "Our biggest concerns in Death Valley are that grow sites decimate vegetation around springs, poison wildlife, and are dangerous for the public."
Workers on the illegal grow site cleared away vegetation to make room for crops, and diverted water from nearby springs for the garden plots. Each marijuana plant can use up to six gallons of water per day.
Rangers were especially worried about finding carbofuran, which is a pesticide that's highly toxic to humans and wildlife.
Source: KTNV News.
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
Death Valley National Park
Man Pleads Guilty To ESA Violation In Devils Pupfish Case
A man accused of harming endangered pupfish in Death Valley National Park pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday, July 18th.
T.S., 28, pleaded guilty to one count of violation of the Endangered Species Act, one count of destruction of United States property, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 25th. The maximum penalty for the ESA violation, a criminal misdemeanor, is up to one year in prison and up to a $50,000 fine. The maximum penalty for destroying United States property and being a felon in possession of a firearm, both felonies, is up to ten years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine per count.
Devils Hole, a detached unit of Death Valley National Park, is located in Amargosa Valley, Nevada, within a 40-acre parcel of National Park Service land surrounded by the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. Devils Hole is the only location in the world where Devils Hole pupfish exist in the wild. They are the descendants of fish that inhabited an ancient lake that once covered Death Valley.
According to court documents, T.S. admitted that on April 30, 2016, he and two co-defendants rammed the fence surrounding Devils Hole with their ATV, severely damaging the gate. T.S. then fired a Mossberg 500 shotgun at the padlock on the gate, attempting to gain access.
After their attempts were unsuccessful, the men scaled the fence. Once in the enclosed area, they destroyed a sensor center for cameras and equipment for the area, and destroyed a video surveillance camera belonging to the National Park Service. T.S. then went into the water and smashed pupfish eggs and larvae during the peak spawning season for pupfish.
Two other men, E.R., 37, and S.S., 31, who were with T.S. at Devils Hole during the time of the crimes, previously pleaded guilty to destruction of government property and violation of the Endangered Species Act. They were each sentenced to one year probation.
The investigation was conducted by the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Nye County Sheriff's Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Lopez.
Source: KTNV News.
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Death Valley National Park
Hiker Dies Of Hyperthermia, Injuries Suffered In Fall
P.R., 57, died while hiking in the park on Monday, July 16th.
Rangers learned that the man was overdue from a hike in the park when his fiancé called and said that he'd failed to return as planned. She gave rangers a list of hikes that P.R. was considering and they subsequently found his car at the Panamint Dunes trailhead.
On Tuesday morning, a California Highway Patrol helicopter began searching and spotted his body a little less than a mile east of his car. It was taken to the Inyo County Coroner's Office in Lone Pine, where an autopsy revealed the cause of death to be a skull fracture caused by a fall, compounded by exposure to the elements. Temperatures exceeded 115 degrees on the day he was reported missing.
Hikers are discouraged from going into low elevations at Death Valley during the summer due to the excessive heat.
Source: KSNV News.
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
National Park System
Follow-ups On Previously Reported Incidents
Below are short follow-ups on incidents previously reported in this newsletter:
Death Valley NP T.S., 28, the man who last year fired a shotgun at the Devils Hole gate padlock, destroyed a surveillance camera and equipment, and harmed endangered pupfish, will be serving time behind bars. On October 25th, a federal judge sentenced T.S. to 12 months and a day in prison and three years of supervised release, Source: Death Valley NP.
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
National Park System
Day 33: The Government Shutdown Rolls On
The National Parks Articles on the effects of the shutdown on several specific National Park Service areas and the ad hoc and often inconsistent ways in which they're being managed during the shutdown:
Death Valley NP On January 16th, the park announced that some recently closed areas would once again be accessible to visitors in "coming days." Some visitor services, including campgrounds and the Stovepipe Wells Contact Station, will also reopen using revenue generated by recreation fees. The park also posted a time-lapse video on Facebook that shows the hours it took park staff to prepare a restroom for reopening. Check it out. Source: Death Valley National Park.
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
Death Valley NP
Canyoneer Dies In Fall While Rappelling
M.Y., 41, was rappelling down a 380-foot cliff on the evening of March 22nd when he fell to his death.
M.Y. and a companion were canyoneering in the park when the accident occurred. They had hiked about 4,000 feet up a ridge before starting their descent into Bottomless Pit Canyon, the informal name of a canyon south of Titus Canyon in the Grapevine Mountains. This canyoneering route, which requires 19 rappels down cliffs or dry waterfalls, was first descended in 2012 and is a route that's not commonly taken.
The two canyoneers planned to break the 380-foot rappel into stages by setting up an anchor on a ledge partway down. M.Y.'s companion had already rappelled to the ground when M.Y. fell to his death. His companion activated an emergency locator beacon and was extracted later that night by a Navy VX-31 helicopter from China Lake.
M.Y.'s body was recovered the next day by an Inyo County Sheriff's Office deputy and the crew of a California Highway Patrol H-80 helicopter.
Source: Abby Wines, Death Valley NP.
Wednesday, May 1, 2019
National Park System
Follow-ups On Previously Reported Incidents
Below are short follow-ups on incidents previously reported in this newsletter:
Death Valley NP You'll no doubt recall the incident a little while back in which three men broke into the enclosure protecting the unique and endangered Devil's Hole pupfish and caused serious damage to the site. You probably also recall that they were discovered, arrested, tried and sentenced for their actions. Now you can read the "backstory" in High Country News. An article posted on the magazine's webpage on April 15th, entitled "How a tiny endangered species put a man in prison," provides details on what happened. Source: Paige Blankenbuehler, High Country News.
Wednesday, July 3, 2019
National Park System
Follow-ups On Previously Reported Incidents
Below are short follow-ups on incidents previously reported in this newsletter.
Death Valley NP The park is still working to recover from the storm that dropped about three inches of rain in five hours in October, 2017, causing serious damage to Scotty's Castle and environs (the tab for storm recovery costs parkwide has so far come to $52 million). Most of the damage occurred in the hacienda-guest house, which was flooded with two feet of mud, and the historic garage that is now used as a visitors center, parts of which were flooded with four feet of mud and debris. The storm also destroyed five miles of the road to Scotty's Castle, caused water damage to buildings around the Castle, and wiped out water, electricity and heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in the main building. The park hopes to reopen at least portions of the site by the end of next year. Source: Associated Press via Greenwich Time.
Wednesday, July 10, 2019
Death Valley NP
Hiker, 85, Succumbs To Heat On Solo Hike In Park
N.M., 85, described as "a California historian-at-large and one of the last of a dwindling supply of San Francisco eccentrics," was found dead in an isolated canyon near Death Valley on June 21st after setting off alone in midday triple-digit heat in search of an abandoned gold mine.
"N.M. was able to endure extreme temperatures," reported the San Francisco Chronicle. "He once fell off a boat he was living on and into San Francisco Bay, where he survived for an hour and 45 minutes before he was noticed missing and pulled from the cold water." He also spent a summer in a metal NPS trailer in Death Valley in an attempt to measure and record the hottest day in California history. He recorded 127 degrees, just shy of the record.
N.M. set off hiking alone in the Panamint Valley at 2:30 p.m. on June 21st in spite of his age and in spite of warnings by a camping partner not to go. When he did not return, he was reported missing at the Lone Pine Sheriff's Substation. It took two days and an aerial search to locate his body in Thompson Canyon and to retrieve it by lowering a hoist from a helicopter.
Source: Sam Whiting, San Francisco Chronicle.
Wednesday, August 7, 2019
Death Valley NP
Pilot Killed, Several Injured In Navy Jet Crash
A Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter crashed during a training mission over the park last Wednesday, resulting in the death of the pilot and injuries to seven park visitors.
All seven were treated at the Grossman Burn Center at West Hills Hospital. Two were admitted to the hospital, another four will ultimately require surgery for severe burn injuries, and one person sustained burns that don't require intensive care.
The jet went down on the west side of the park near the Father Crowley Overlook. The overlook is an area informally known as "Star Wars Canyon," which has been used for military training flights since the 1930s.
The aircraft was based at Naval Air Station Lemoore in California. Although military jets are not supposed to fly over national parks, an exception has been made for this section of the park.
Sources: Richard Gonzalez, National Public Radio; KGO-TV News.
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
Death Valley NP
Eleven Injured And One Killed In Four Accidents Over Recent Weeks
Park rangers responded to a two-car collision on CA-190 on the evening of December 30th the fourth major motor vehicle accident in the park in recent weeks. Collectively, there have been 11 park visitors injured and one fatality.
Around 4:50 p.m. on December 30th, Takumi Sagawa, of Hokkaido, Japan, allowed his Kia Optima to drift into the oncoming lane on CA-190 east of Stovepipe Wells. Xiaomin Deng, of Sammamish, Washington, was driving a Chevrolet Malibu in the opposite direction and attempted unsuccessfully to avoid the head-on collision.
Two people were transported by air ambulances due to serious injuries. Three people with moderate injuries were transported by ground ambulances.
Source: National Park Service.
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Death Valley NP
Searchers Rescue Injured Backpacker From Slot Canyon
On Thursday, February 6th, a backpacker on a multi-day trip fell while descending into a side canyon west of the main Cottonwood Canyon, suffering a severe lower extremity injury. Hikers in the canyon below made audible contact with the backpacker and used their satellite device to call for help.
Because the hikers were unable to ascend the difficult terrain and assist the injured hiker, they made camp and spent the night in order to help via satellite communication with rangers.
A member of Inyo County Search and Rescue was lowered into the slot canyon via helicopter at 9:30 a.m. on Friday. A California Highway Patrol helicopter then flew him out to a hospital.
According to the park's SAR coordinator, good planning by both the injured man and the party that found him helped him survive. In addition to having filled out backcountry camping permits, which provided emergency contact information and planned routes, the injured man had proper equipment to spend the night in the park. The equipment was also brightly colored, which made it much easier for search crews to see him in the narrow canyon from the helicopter.
Two-way communications, which were possible because of the satellite emergency notification device the other hikers had, proved invaluable, as cell phones don't work in most of the park.
Source: Caitlin Lilly, KVVU News.
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Death Valley NP
Hiker Killed In Fall From Manly Beacon
Three hikers came upon a body near the base of Manly Beacon mountain by the Zabriskie Point trail this past weekend. Rangers and an Inyo County deputy responded and determined that the victim fell roughly 300 feet from Manly Beacon. They were unable to recover the body due to insufficient resources and time.
On Sunday, rangers, as well as search and rescue teams from the sheriff's office and Inyo County, responded along with a CHP helicopter, which hoisted out the body and flew it to the coroner's office.
Rangers found a rental vehicle near the Zabriskie trailhead and determined that it'd been there for about three days before the body was found.
Source: Cody Miller, KSNV News.
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
National Park System Coronavirus Response Update
News on national parks continues to focus mostly on the administration's response to the pandemic. Here's an assortment of stories from the last two weeks:
Wildlife 'Take Over' Parks The Guardian has an article entitled "Wildlife Thrives In Closed US National Parks" that reports on instances of wildlife "thriving on public lands since the coronavirus closures went into effect" pronghorn around park headquarters at Death Valley; wildlife around buildings and along roadways in Rocky Mountain and Yellowstone; a quadrupling of bears in public places in Yosemite.
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
National Park System
Follow-ups On Previously Reported Incidents
Below are short follow-ups on incidents previously reported in this newsletter.
Death Valley NP On July 31, 2019, a Navy Super Hornet jet crashed near Rainbow Canyon in Death Valley National Park, killing the pilot and injuring several visitors who were viewing the aircraft training at low altitudes through the canyon. Over the last year, park and Navy officials have worked together to pay tribute to the pilot, Lieutenant Commander C.Z.W., and remove debris from the area near the Father Crowley Vista Point. Last month, the park installed a new exhibit overlooking Rainbow Canyon to educate visitors on the military aircraft training history in the area. Rainbow Canyon, commonly called Star Wars Canyon, is part of the R-2508 Complex which the military has utilized since 1930s. The California Desert Protection Act, which expanded Death Valley National Park, called for continuation of military overflights. The park continues to play an important role in training pilots and equipment. Source: Sierra Sun Times.
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Death Valley NP
Hiker Dies On Park Trail; Hyperthermia Suspected
A possible hiker fatality near the Golden Canyon Loop trail was first reported around 9 p.m. on Sunday, September 6th.
Park rangers and a deputy with the Inyo County Sheriff's Office responded to the Zabriskie Pointe Trailhead that night to search for the hiker, but were unable to find anyone. A team of rangers and the sheriff's deputy met again the next morning and were able to locate the victim, who was about a mile from the trailhead.
He was taken to the Inyo County Coroner's office, which will determine the official cause of death, though the National Park Service suspects that extreme heat was a factor.
Source: Matthew Seeman, KSNV News.
Wednesday, February 3, 2021
Death Valley NP
Canyoneer Killed By Rockslide
Last week, a climber stepped on a loose rock and triggered a rockslide that killed him.
J.I., a 38-year-old canyoneer, died on January 30th, as he was going down the Deimos Canyon with six of his friends. The canyon is steep, and is not recommended for people who are uncomfortable with heights or are worried about crumbling rock under their feet.
J.I. and his group knew the route and had descended the canyon many times before. They were all "very experienced" canyoneers.
The incident occurred while J.I. was descending a steep, rocky slope to the top of the third rappel anchor. He apparently stepped on a rock that moved, triggering a rockslide that swept him past two companions and over the edge of the 95-foot-tall dry fall."
J.I.'s friends were able to use an emergency locator beacon to call officials for help. They sent information by text to emergency responders. After assessing J.I.'s condition, the group continued down the canyon due to continuing active rock fall.
Inyo County search-and-rescue and Death Valley rangers were assisted by helicopters from the California Highway Patrol and Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake. Rescue crews reached J.I. by helicopter hours after the rockslide and found him dead. His body was recovered the next day.
Source: Maddie Capron, The Olympian.
Wednesday, July 14, 2021
Death Valley National Park
No cause found for Scottys Castle fire
A investigation into fire that started the night of April 21/morning of April 22 and destroyed the Scottys Castle Visitor Center, located in the historic garage/workshop, came back inconclusive. There was no electrical power connected to the building, no generators or equipment, no lightning, and no evidence of arson. Ongoing flood recovery at the site from the flash flood in October 2015 was suspended for two months due to the risk of wind-blown asbestos from the burn, but work has now resumed at other parts of the site. The historic district at Scottys Castle is expected to reopen in 2023.
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
Death Valley National Park
Hiker found dead
On July 25 or 26, D.B., 68, set out to hike 12 miles across the salt flats from Badwater to West Side Road and back. A family member called the Inn at Death Valley on the morning of July 28 after he missed his flight home the day prior. His belongings were still in his room and rangers found his vehicle at the Badwater parking lot. A California Highway Patrol helicopter found and recovered his body later that day. The heat was up to 118 degrees with humidity as high as 91% over the two-day period he is suspected to have been hiking in. The Inyo County Coroner's Office is investigating the cause of death. Source: NewsNow Las Vegas
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Death Valley National Park
Hiker dies of suspected heat stroke
On August 18, visitors reported a suspected heat stroke victim and CPR in-progress near Red Cathedral on the Golden Canyon Trail. Rangers responded on foot and found the 60-year-old hiker to be deceased. California Highway Patrol Helicopter H-80 assisted in the recovery that evening. Source: Death Valley National Park
Wednesday, September 8, 2021
Death Valley National Park
2nd fatality on Golden Canyon Trail in a week
On August 21, a visitor was found dead by an early morning hiker near the Manly Beacon formation on the Golden Canyon Trail. A SAR team recovered the body on foot. The Inyo County Sheriff's Office is investigating the cause of death. Foul play is not suspected.
Temperatures have been around 109. It was the second death on the Golden Canyon Trail in a week (the first was reported in the previous Coalition Report). Source: News3LV
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
Death Valley National Park
Navy jet crashes in park
On October 4, a Navy F/A-18F Superhornet jet from the Naval Air Weapons Station in China Lake crashed in the park. The pilot ejected and suffered minor injuries. Units from the base, as well as Fort Irwin Army Base and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma responded to rescue the pilot. The pilot was treated and released from a Las Vegas hospital that evening. The Navy has stated that it will assist the NPS with cleanup of the crash site.
The crash is under investigation. Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Death Valley National Park
Visitor dies at dunes
On November 6, two family members went hiking together at the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. After about half an hour, they split up, one returning to the parking lot, and the other, an experienced hiker, was to return in 1-2 hours. After waiting a few hours, the one at the parking lot returned to the dunes, but was unable to find the other party and reported her overdue. An NPS search that evening was unsuccessful. The next morning, search teams found tracks leading to the victim, who was deceased about 1.5 miles from the parking lot on flats adjacent to the dunes. Foul play is not suspected, and the incident is under investigation by the Inyo County Coroner's Office. Source: National Parks Traveler
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
Death Valley National Park
Motorcyclist killed in accident
On January 8, a 63-year-old motorcyclist drifted off the side of SR-190 near Stovepipe Wells. The victim crashed into a dirt and rock embankment and was ejected from the motorcycle. While being transported to Las Vegas University Hospital via Mercy Air helicopter, the victim succumbed to injuries. The crash is under investigation by California Highway Patrol from Bishop. Source: Death Valley National Park
Wednesday, February 23, 2022
Death Valley National Park
Visitor killed in car crash
On February 10, a car traveling westbound on CA-190 just east of Towne Pass traversed a right-hand curve and collided with a guidepost. It then crossed over the road and down an embankment, where it overturned. The driver, an 84-year-old, was brought to the hospital via ambulance, but did not survive. A 79-year-old passenger was also brought to the hospital and sustained minor injuries. Source: Death Valley National Park
June 15, 2022
Death Valley National Park
Visitor found deceased
On May 15, a 69-year-old sent a text message to family, mentioning plans to head to Death Valley National Park, and then was not heard from again. On May 26, the Long Beach Police Department issued a public information bulletin for the missing person. On May 31, the individual's vehicle was found on Lake Hill Road in Panamint Valley. After two days of air and ground searches by personnel from the NPS, Bureau of Land Management, California Highway Patrol, and U.S. Navy, the individual's body was found on June 1 about a quarter-mile from their vehicle. Inyo County Coroner's office assisted with the body recovery. Foul play is not suspected. Source: KTNV
Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Death Valley National Park
Visitor dies while walking to get gas
On June 8, an NPS ranger noticed a lone car at the Zabriskie Point parking lot. The same ranger noticed the car still in the lot three days later. Though the owner of the car, a 67- year-old, had not been reported as missing, the visitor had been cited in the park on May 30 for off-road driving and had mentioned he was low on gas that day. A crumpled note in the car said "Out of gas." The original search was focused on Golden Canyon and Badlands Trails, but the search was hampered by temperatures of 123 degrees. On June 14, the victim's body was found, about 2.5 miles from the car, 30 feet off of Highway 190, obscured by terrain and a tree. The individual appears to have been walking toward Furnace Creek after running out of gas. Source: Death Valley National Park
August 10, 2022
Death Valley National Park
"1,000 year flood"
On August 5, severe flooding occurred in the park. Furnace Creek received 1.46 inches of rain in three hours. All roads in the park were closed and about 500 visitors and 500 staff were stranded inside the park. Around 60 cars were buried in debris. 600 feet of the main line in the Cow Creek water system washed away. Cow Creek supports many park residences and administrative buildings, including the primary emergency operations building and maintenance yard. Hundreds of miles of road experienced damage, some quite severe. Law enforcement escorts assisted people in leaving the park. A Naval Weapons Station China Lake helicopter crew was able to do aerial surveys and locate vehicles in remote areas of the park. Rangers were able to contact those visitors to ensure everyone was okay. Highway 190 was expected to reopen between Furnace Creek and Pahrump on August 9, but has been delayed until at least August 17 due to extensive debris removal. All other roads also remain closed while damage is assessed and recovery takes place. Source: News3LV (8/5, 8/6), Death Valley National Park (8/7, 8/8)
August 24, 2022
Death Valley National Park
GPS-followers stranded
Due to the extensive flooding in Death Valley (see 8/10/22 Coalition Report), all roads in the park were closed (see below for an update on current openings). As a result, some navigational apps have re-routed travelers onto primitive backcountry dirt roads, resulting in multiple stranded motorists, including one with all four tires flat. The park has responded and added additional closure signs. Source: Death Valley National Park
August 24, 2022
Death Valley National Park
Follow-up on Previously Reported Incident
The western end of State Route 190 from the park boundary to Panamint Valley reopened on August 10, with a full opening of the route through the park on August 20. Most other roads remain closed for further assessment and repairs from the "1,000-year flood event" on August 5. The Dantes View road and Badwater Road were both delayed in opening due to smaller storms on August 16 and 18 that brought further debris across roads. The park received $11.7 million in "quick release" emergency relief funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation to repair infrastructure. Source: Death Valley National Park (8/10, 8/18, 8/19), U.S. Department of Transportation
September 7, 2022
Death Valley National Park
Follow-up on Previously Reported Incident
The National Weather Service has classified August 5, 2022 as the park's rainiest day in history. Highway 190, Dantes View, Badwater Road (from 190 to Badwater), and Artists Drive are the only roads open in the park currently. The Federal Highways Administration has issued a contract to clear debris and fill in road gaps on Beatty Cutoff Road, North Highway, Badwater Road (from Badwater to Shoshone), and Mud Canyon Road. No timeline is yet available for road openings. Source: Death Valley National Park
September 18, 2022
Death Valley National Park
More flooding
On September 13, the park experienced another round of storms that impacted roads across the park. This follows the 1,000-year flood event of August 2022 that had already damaged many of the park roads. As of September 14, the only road open in the park was a section of California Highway 190 from the east to Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. The park is concentrating road clearing efforts on the Badwater Road next, which is estimated to open by September 24. Work on the Beatty Cutoff road by a contractor will begin on September 23 and is expected to be open by mid-October, with some sections left unpaved. There are no estimated dates for other roads at this point. Source: Death Valley National Park
October 5, 2022
Death Valley National Park
Earthquake in Mexico hits park
On September 19, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake on Mexico's Pacific coast created 4-foot tall waves inside Devils Hole, the geothermal pool that is home to the highly-endangered Devils Hole pupfish. No dead fish were found after the incident, though the incident displaced algae that are part of the pupfish's food source. The park's bi-annual pupfish survey occurred several days later, and indicated a record-high number of individuals (see "Around the Parks" above). Source: CBS News
October 5, 2022
Death Valley National Park
Follow-up on Previously Reported Incident
On September 21, the park opened parts of Badwater Road and Wildrose. Artists Drive and Golden Canyon Trail are also open. Most roads in the park remain closed for repair after record flooding. Source: Death Valley National Park
October 19, 2022
Death Valley National Park
Follow-up on Previously Reported Incident
In the aftermath of the flash floods over the summer, the park has reopened Texas Springs Campground, Stovepipe Wells Campground, and Furnace Creek Campground, and expect to open Sunset Campground on October 24. Overnight camping along backcountry roads and trails is also available, though a free permit is required for particular areas. Some backcountry roads remain closed. Part of Highway 190 between Emigrant Junction and Panamint Valley remains closed, likely through mid-November. Source: Death Valley National Park
November 16, 2022
Death Valley National Park
Follow-up on Previously Reported Incident
On November 7, the park reopened Daylight Pass and Beatty Cutoff Roads for the first time since the record floods on August 5. On November 9, the Hole in the Wall Road and Echo Canyon Road also reopened. Campsites along these roads have now been designated and require free backcountry permits. On November 13, the Towne Pass section of CA-190 reopened, as well. That section of CA-190 has been closed since additional flooding took place in September. Source: News 3 LV
December 14, 2022
Death Valley National Park
Canyoneering accident
In early December, a campground host reported a tent in a campsite past the checkout date. Rangers left a note on the tent and then returned the following day. While packing up the abandoned property, they found a package with a name and address on it. The rangers recalled seeing a car at the Mosaic Canyon trailhead for several days, so they ran its plates and found it matched the name on the package. A search was conducted and the 54-year-old individual was found deceased on December 3 in the West Fork route of Mosaic Canyon. The individual appeared to have rappelled on a rope that was too short, then attempted to extend the rappel with webbing. Something appeared to have gone wrong while passing the knot between the rope and webbing. Rangers estimate the individual fell 30 feet. The search and recovery were conducted by the National Park Service, Inyo County Search and Rescue, Inyo County Sheriff's Office, Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake's VX-31 rescue helicopter, and California Highway Patrol's H-82 helicopter. The cause of death is under investigation by the Inyo County Coroner's Office. Source: Death Valley National Park
December 14, 2022
Death Valley National Park
Follow-up on Previously Reported Incident
On November 23, the park reopened Cottonwood Canyon and Marble Canyon roads, which had been damaged and closed by record flashfloods over the summer. Free permits are now required to camp along these roads in designated sites and to backpack along the Cottonwood-Marble Canyon Loop. On December 7, the park reopened Badwater Road, CA-178, Harry Wade, Owls Hole, West Side, Trail Canyon, Hanaupah Canyon, Johnson Canyon, Queen of Sheba Mine, and Galena Canyon Roads. Source: Death Valley National Park (12/1, 12/8)
February 8, 2023
Death Valley National Park
Murder-suicide
On January 13, a 73-year-old called 911 and reported that they had just killed their 72-year-old spouse and that they intended to kill themself. They gave a location of where to find their bodies, which was inside the park. Law enforcement from the NPS, Inyo County Sheriff's Office, Inyo County Coroner's Office, California Highway Patrol, and Bureau of Land Management responded and found both individuals deceased, with a note saying that the 72-year-old was suffering from chronic health conditions. Source: KTNV
February 8, 2023
Death Valley National Park
Hiker rescue
On February 1, two hikers on the Telescope Peak Trail slipped into a steep, icy drainage about two miles from the trailhead. The two hikers had crampons, trekking poles, and a 200-foot rope, but they were unable to maintain their footing or climb back up the trail. One of the hikers utilized a cell phone to request assistance. A California Highway Patrol H-80 helicopter was able to utilize a winch to rescue the two hikers. Source: Death Valley National Park
February 22, 2023
Death Valley National Park
Two hiking rescues in same day
On February 5, an individual in their 30s broke their tibia and ruptured their ACL while hiking in Mosaic Canyon. Other members of the individual's party stayed with them while a bystander hiked out and called for emergency assistance. NPS employees and interns from the American Conservation Experience extracted the individual to the parking lot via a wheeled-litter, and the individual was transported to the Stovepipe Wells helipad by a park ambulance. A private helicopter ambulance flew the individual to a hospital in Lancaster, California.
Later that day, an individual in their 60s was hiking the Wildrose Peak Trail with a hiking club. The individual was close to the summit when they decided to stay back due to head and body aches. The group agreed the individual would wait for the group's return and descend together. However, the individual got cold and decided to descend on their own. The individual lost the trail, descending and ascending multiple times to try to regain it. The group hiked down, assuming the individual had done the same, and then found that the individual was not at the parking lot. They did a quick search, then drove to Stovepipe Wells Resort and reported the missing hiker. The missing individual also called 911 around the same time as the report came in. The individual said they had no food, no warm clothing, and did not feel well. The NPS sent a hasty response team and put California Highway Patrol and the Naval Air Weapons Station in China Lake on standby. The individual was located by the hasty response. The individual's fitness watch showed the lost hiker walked a total of 18 miles on what would have been an 8.4-mile round-trip hike. Source: Pahrump Valley Times
February 22, 2023
Death Valley National Park
Follow-up on Previously Reported Incident
On February 9, the park reopened the North Highway to Mesquite Springs Campground and Ubehebe Crater for the first time since record flashflooding in August 2022. The project was made possible through the Federal Highway Administration's Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads program. Mud Canyon, Racetrack Road, and the two-way end of Titus Canyon Road are still closed and expected to reopen by late February. Scotty's Castle will remain closed through August 2024. Source: National Parks Traveler
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Death Valley National Park
Missing person self-rescues
On March 24, a group of people hiked into the salt flats of Badwater Basin to photograph stars. A 61-year-old left the group to get something from a vehicle in the parking lot. However, the individual did not return. After conducting a search, the other members of the party drove to Furnace Creek and called 911. NPS staff turned on bright flashing lights and searched on foot, starting around 2:30 am. More NPS staff and a California Highway Patrol helicopter were called to assist with the search. The individual had gotten disoriented in the darkness. When they realized they couldn't see the road or other landmarks, they stayed in one place until daybreak. They were then able to see the road and hike to it, then hitchhiked to the Badwater parking lot, arriving around 8:20 am. Source: Death Valley National Park
May 10, 2023
Death Valley National Park
Worker bit by rabid bat
On April 28, a bat was "behaving strangely" on a garbage can outside the Stovepipe Wells General Store. A concession worker wearing nitrile gloves attempted to move the bat and it bit the individual through the gloves. Park officials found the bat and had it tested for rabies, which came back positive on May 2. The worker was treated for rabies. Source: Sacramento Bee
May 24, 2023
Death Valley National Park
Motorcyclist fatality
On May 6, a 73-year-old lost control of their motorcycle on a "curvy section" of Highway 190 between Panamint Springs Resort and Father Crowley Point, causing them to slide into the other lane and collide with another vehicle. Staff from the NPS, California Highway Patrol, and Inyo County Coroner's Office responded to the scene. The individual was pronounced deceased at the scene. Source: Sierra Wave Media
May 24, 2023
Death Valley National Park
Marijuana farm
A marijuana grow operation was discovered during a fly-over of Jail Canyon, on the western slope of the Panamint Mountains. Upon learning they were discovered, the growers abandoned the site. Crews from the NPS, American Conservation Experience, and the California Air National Guard recently removed 10,000 plants, 35 cubic yards of trash, and dangerous chemicals left behind at the site. A safety closure for Jail Canyon had been in place for the operation and has now been lifted. The plants were estimated to be worth $7 million. Source: National Parks Traveler
May 24, 2023
Death Valley National Park
Vehicle fire outside park
On May 17, a semi-truck was pulling two dumpster trailers full of brush trimmings on a 3,000 foot climb out of Death Valley on Highway 190 just outside the park when it broke down and caught on fire. Firefighters from the park and Southern Inyo Fire Protection District responded to the fire and the highway was shut down temporarily. Firefighting foam was used to contain the fire in the cab and first trailer and there were no injuries reported. Source: KTNV
June 7, 2023
Death Valley National Park
Flooding
On May 20, the park closed the Badwater Road due to safety concerns after a flash flooding event. Several park visitors attempted to drive through active flooding and needed to have their vehicles pulled from the mud by park staff. The park moved dirt and rocks off the road and filled in unsafe drop-offs on road edges. The road was reopened on May 25. Source: Death Valley National Park
July 26, 2023
Death Valley National Park
Heat fatalities
On July 3, an NPS maintenance staff member came upon a car with two flat tires, 30 yards off the North Highway. Upon inspection, the staff found a deceased 65-year-old in the driver seat. The car was operational and did not show signs of a crash, but the air conditioning was not working and the window was down. Temperatures the day prior were estimated at a high of 126 and low of 86 overnight. It is suspected that the individual became unconscious due to the heat while driving and swerved off the road, puncturing their tires. Park rangers, the Inyo County Sheriff's Office, and Inyo County Coroner's Office responded to the incident. Source: CNN
On July 18, a 71-year-old collapsed outside the restroom at the Golden Canyon Trailhead. A park visitor called 911. NPS staff attempted to resuscitate the individual, but they were unsuccessful. Temperatures were reported over 120 degrees that day in the park. The individual had just completed a 4-mile hike and had been interviewed by a reporter earlier in the day about hiking in heat. The cause of death is under investigation, and is presumed to be related to the heat. Source: Associated Press, Death Valley National Park
July 26, 2023
Death Valley National Park
5 burros killed
During the week of July 9, five burros were discovered to have been shot and killed in the Lower Wildrose area of the park. Burros are not native to the park, but this incident was not associated with National Park Service efforts to cull them from the park. The incident is considered an illegal use of a firearm in the park. The incident is under investigation and the park is seeking any information the public can provide. Source: Death Valley National Park
July 26, 2023
Death Valley National Park
Asphalt spill
On July 17, a commercial truck crashed after its brakes failed while descending Daylight Pass, spilling an estimated 5,000 gallons of emulsified asphalt and 150 gallons of diesel fuel. The driver was uninjured and was able to flag down other visitors to get a ride to a location with cell phone signal to report the incident. Commercial vehicles are prohibited on Daylight Pass, in part due to the steep grades and high temperatures that can overheat brakes easily. The trucking company is working with the NPS to clean the site and remove the wreck, and charges for the violation are pending. Source: KTNV
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Death Valley National Park
Vehicle fatality
On July 31, a 26-year-old was driving eastbound on CA-190 between Emigrant Junction and Stovepipe Wells when the vehicle crossed the opposite road shoulder, hit an embankment, and flipped several times. The driver appeared to not be wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. The individual was declared deceased at the scene. Responding agencies included the NPS, Inyo County Coroner's Office, and California Highway Patrol. The crash is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol, and alcohol and drug use are not suspected. Source: Death Valley National Park
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Death Valley National Park
Stuck car, bystander rescue, heat illness
On July 4, two individuals got lost while navigating by GPS. They took a wrong turn onto West Side Road, eventually driving back and forth along the road for about three hours. Around midnight, they became concerned about running out of gas and decided to drive directly across the salt flat of Badwater Basin to Badwater Road, which is illegal. The vehicle got stuck in mud about 0.9 miles in. They walked a mile to Badwater Road, then 12 miles north along the road, splitting up from one another at 3am. One of the individuals walked another six miles north and was picked up by other park visitors around 8am. The individual was driven to Furnace Creek, where they called for help. The park visitors who had picked up the first individual drove back to pick up the second individual, who was experiencing symptoms of heat illness. The low temperature that night was 90°F. That individual was driven to Shoshone, California, then transported by ambulance to Desert View Hospital in Pahrump, Nevada. On July 27, Two Star Towing was able to use a skid steer to remove the vehicle. The two individuals were issued a mandatory court appearance for illegal off-road driving and the damage to park resources. Charges and fines are pending. Source: Death Valley National Park
August 23, 2023
Death Valley National Park
Truck fire
On August 10, an off-duty NPS employee driving on Highway 190, leaving Towne Pass, noticed flames come out from underneath a semi-truck in front of their vehicle. Since there is no cell phone service, the employee used a park radio to report the fire. The truck pulled off the road onto a shoulder and the driver used a fire extinguisher to put out the fire. A fire truck arrived on scene from Furnace Creek and escorted the semi-truck down the highway in case the brakes set on fire again. The brakes did catch fire again and the truck pulled over at Emigrant Junction, and NPS staff were able to extinguish the fire. One tire was destroyed in the fires. No injuries or other equipment damage was reported. This is the third vehicle fire in Death Valley this year. Source: KTNV
August 23, 2023
Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Manzanar National Historic Site, Mojave National Preserve
Hurricane/Tropical Storm closure
Most of the above parks announced preemptive closures between August 18-20 due predicted flooding from Hurricane/Tropical Storm Hilary. It is the first official National Weather Service Tropical Storm Warning in history for the region. Source: KTLA, Desert Sun, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Manzanar National Historic Site
Death Valley closed on August 20 due to active flooding. They received over an inch by midday and another inch that evening. As of August 21, the park was searching for stranded people in remote areas of the park and assessing impacts. Caltrans and the NPS are working to clear an exit route on Highway 190 from Stovepipe Wells to Death Valley Junction so visitors and employees can safely exit the park. As of August 22, there were approximately 400 people sheltering in place in the Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs areas. Source: Death Valley National Park, Death Valley National Park Facebook page, National Parks Traveler
September 6, 2023
Death Valley National Park
Follow-up on Previously Reported Incident
On August 21, the NPS and Caltrans road crews were able to open an exit lane on Highway 190 to allow residents, employees, and travelers stuck in the park to exit. Around 400 people people were stuck in the park for about 24 hours in the aftermath of major flash flood damage (see 8/23/23 Coalition Report). "All paved and unpaved roads in Death Valley have been damaged and are closed" and many of the utility systems were damaged in the storm. The entire park is closed to the public. The park will likely reopen in stages and "it may be weeks before Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells open." The endangered Devils Hole pupfish population was reported to be in good condition. The Las Vegas Review-Journal published a feature with photos and video of damage from the storm. Source: Death Valley National Park, Death Valley National Park Facebook page, Las Vegas Review-Journal
September 20, 2023
Death Valley National Park
Follow-up on Previously Reported Incident
On September 13, the park announced that they tentatively plan to reopen CA-190 from the western end, as well as Panamint Springs, Stovepipe Wells, the Oasis, and "some" hiking trailheads and campgrounds. Most secondary roads and all eastern entrances will remain closed, and traffic control will be in place on CA-190 for continued repair work. Source: Death Valley National Park
November 1, 2023
Death Valley National Park
Vehicle crash
On October 29, a camper van braked suddenly to avoid hitting a tarantula crossing the road on Highway 190 east of Towne Pass. A 24-year-old motorcyclist travelling behind crashed into the van. The motorcyclist was taken for medical treatment in Pahrump (NV) by NPS staff. Source: KOLO
November 1, 2023
Death Valley National Park
Follow-up on Previously Reported Incident
On November 1, the park will reopen Mud Canyon Road and Daylight Pass (the Beatty entrance) for the first time since record flash floods in August due to the remnants of Hurricane Hilary (see 8/23/23, 9/6/23, and 9/20/23 Coalition Report). Emergency repairs were funded by the Federal Highway Administration's Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads program. Only emergency repairs were completed thus far on these roads; more permanent repairs will begin in a few months time. Most of the park's secondary roads and backcountry remain closed. Source: Death Valley National Park
November 16, 2023
Death Valley National Park
Semitruck rollover
On November 5, a semitruck traveling down a steep grade on CA-190 west of Towne Pass lost control and overturned several times, scattering its cargo of beehives. Other visitors extracted the 35-year-old driver from the truck, getting stung by bees in the process. California Highway Patrol and National Park Service staff responded and provided medical assistance to the driver, who had traumatic injuries from the rollover, as well as bee stings. The patient was driven by ambulance to Panamint Springs Resort, then taken by a Mercy Air helicopter to Antelope Valley Hospital. Source: Death Valley National Park
November 29, 2023
Death Valley National Park
Rescue on closed road
On November 18, two individuals on motorcycles bypassed a locked gate, concrete barriers, and closure signs on Titus Canyon Road, which has been closed since August due to damage related to the record flood event. One of the individuals crashed, breaking a collarbone and sustaining other non-life-threatening injuries. The individuals used a satellite phone to call for help. A U.S. Navy helicopter responded from Naval Weapons Station China Lake and transported both individuals to Ridgecrest Regional Hospital. The individuals stated they were following a map app that showed the road was open, so they bypassed the closure. Charges are pending. Source: Death Valley National Park
November 29, 2023
Death Valley National Park
Follow-up on Previously Reported Incident
On November 20, the park reopened the southeast entrance and the southern end of Badwater Road. On November 21, the park reopened roadside camping and backpacking on Echo Canyon Road, Hole in the Wall Road, Cottonwood Canyon Road, Marble Canyon Road, and Greenwater Valley Road. Deadman Pass and Gold Valley Roads also are open but have not been maintained. Gold Valley Road "may be challenging even for vehicles with 4x4 high clearance." The roads were closed due to damage sustained during record flash flooding in August. Flood recovery is ongoing by the NPS, Federal Highway Administration, Caltrans, and Inyo County. Source: Death Valley National Park (11/20, 11/21)
December 13, 2023
Death Valley National Park
Follow-up on Previously Reported Incident
Inyo County repaired roads leading to Eureka Valley and Saline Valley, allowing them to open on November 30. They have been closed since record flooding in August. Saline Valley Road's South Pass and Steel Pass Road past Palm Springs remain closed due to flood damage. Source: Death Valley National Park
December 27, 2023
Death Valley National Park
Follow-up on Previously Reported Incident
On December 12, the NPS announced the reopening of 60 miles of backcountry roads in the southern end of the park. On December 23, the park reopened another 95 miles of roads, including the North Highway, Ubehebe Crater Road, Racetrack Road, and lower end of Titus Canyon Road. They have been closed due to damage sustained in record floods in August due to Tropical Storm/Hurricane Hilary. Source: Death Valley National Park (12/12, 12/21)
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Death Valley National Park
Power outage
On December 23, the power went out at the park. At least eight electric vehicles had to be towed, and water was trucked into the park during the outage. It was restored on December 26 after a 64-hour outage. The cause of the outage has not be disclosed. Source: 8 News Now
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Death Valley National Park
Illegal off-road drivers get stuck
On December 22, two individuals drove a rented SUV off a road toward the salt flat two miles south of Badwater Basin. The vehicle became stuck in mud about 200 yards from the road. The individuals were advised that NPS staff would need to monitor the extraction, as it can cause significant additional damage to resources. The individuals hired a person with a pickup truck to attempt to remove the SUV without NPS staff present. The pickup truck also got stuck in mud. A few days later, a tow truck winched the pickup truck out of the mud. The SUV required the digging of holes and laying down traction and was then driven out of the mud.
On December 27, an individual drove an SUV over a parking lot curb and about a half-mile across the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes before getting stuck in sand. The vehicle was towed out the following night. Park staff are concerned that vehicle tracks often inspire others to follow. New carsonite sign posts were installed to deter future vehicle trespass.
Individuals were cited for their actions. Source: Death Valley National Park
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Death Valley National Park
Habituated coyote hit
On December 25, a coyote was struck by a vehicle and killed. The coyote had been begging for food along Badwater Road near Golden Canyon for several months. NPS staff had attempted to haze it away from the road with a paintball gun and pepper spray, but the efforts were unsuccessful at changing the animal's behavior. Source: Death Valley National Park
January 24, 2024
Death Valley National Park
Truck catches fire
On January 10, a semi-truck descending Towne Pass on CA-190 caught on fire, probably due to overheating brakes. Responders from the NPS, Beatty Volunteer Fire Department, California Highway Patrol, and Caltrans assisted in the incident. The truck was carrying bottled water, which helped slow the fire's advance, "but not enough to save it." Source: Sierra Wave Media
January 24, 2024
Death Valley National Park
Follow-up on Previously Reported Incident
Keane Wonder Mine Road reopened on January 22 and the Big Pine - Death Valley Road reopened on January 18. Both have been closed since the record floods from Hurricane Hilary in August 2023. Source: Sierra Wave Media
February 21, 2024
Death Valley National Park
Flash flooding
On February 6, heavy rain caused flash flooding and debris across many roads. CA-190 and Badwater Road were reopened the following day. Many side roads are still closed. Source: Death Valley National Park
March 20, 2024
Death Valley National Park
Follow-up on Previously Reported Incident
The park recently reopened another 195 miles of remote backcountry roads in the park. They have been closed since flash floods associated with Hurricane Hilary in August 2023. The repairs were completed by both park staff and contractors, with funding from the Federal Highway Administration and the NPS Disaster Supplemental fund source. Repairs are ongoing on other roads in the park, including Titus Canyon. Source: Death Valley National Park
May 1, 2024
Death Valley National Park
Two Fires
Just after midnight on April 4, park staff responded to a fire behind the Borax Museum, located within The Ranch at Death Valley, a privately-owned hotel complex. The fire destroyed a historic wooden wagon used in the 1890s to transport borax out of the area. "Old Dinah," a steam engine that pulled the wagon, was adjacent to the fire, but escaped significant damage. That same morning, at about 5:15am, a second fire was reported about 500 feet away from the first fire, inside prefabricated employee housing units that had been delivered, but not yet occupied. Staff from the NPS, Southern Inyo Fire Protection District, Inyo County Sherriff, and California Highway Patrol, responded to the second fire. Two housing units were destroyed and a third was damaged. No one was harmed in either fire. The cause of the fires is unknown and under investigation by Inyo County Sheriff's Office and the California State Fire Marshall. Source: Death Valley National Park
May 1, 2024
Death Valley National Park
Hiker fatality
On April 5, a 66-year-old individual was hiking with their spouse about a mile up the Mosaic Canyon Trail when he appeared "to have suffered an acute medical event." Other hikers used the satellite SOS function on their iPhone to call for help. A registered nurse and nurse practitioner who were also hiking in the area attempted to revive the individual. Park staff arrived soon after to join the ongoing resuscitation efforts, but they were not successful. The deceased individual was carried to the trailhead by an NPS Search and Rescue team and transferred to the care of the Inyo County Coroner. Source: Death Valley National Park
May 1, 2024
Death Valley National Park
Follow-up on Previously Reported Incident
On April 26, the park celebrated the end of the emergency phase of flood repairs after the August 2023 rain event that damaged 1,323 miles of roads and several utilities. Steel Pass and Wildrose Charcoal Kilns were the most recent reopenings. The park thanked the staff who supported the effort, including 152 Death Valley employees, 256 NPS staff from other units, the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe, Caltrans, the Federal Highway Administration, Inyo County, multiple contractors, and the neighboring communities. Permanent repairs will begin later this year, including major repairs at Salt Creek, Titus Canyon, Lower Wildrose, and Darwin Falls. Source: Death Valley National Park
May 15, 2024
Death Valley National Park
Hazmat truck fire
On April 26, a semi-truck carrying hazardous waste had its engine and brakes catch on fire while descending Towne Pass on CA-190, near milepost 83 between Emigrant Junction and Stovepipe Wells. A park staff member reported the burning truck to dispatch by radio. Park staff responded with a fire engine and prevented the fire from spreading from the cab to the cargo compartment, preventing the hazardous substances from igniting. Caltrans supported the incident with traffic control. The driver, a 48-year-old, sustained "non-life-threatening injuries," and was transported by ambulance to Desert View Hospital in Pahrump, Nevada. It is the third truck fire on Towne Pass in the last year (see 1/24/24 and 8/23/23 Coalition Reports). Source: Death Valley National Park
May 15, 2024
Death Valley National Park
National Register historic resource damaged
Some time between April 1 and 24, an individual used a winch to extract their vehicle out of deep mud, anchoring it to the historic 113-year-old salt tram tower in Saline Valley. In the process, the tower was toppled and its concrete footings came out of the ground. The Saline Valley Salt Tram is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Funding had been lined up for stabilization of the salt tram in its previous condition, and it is unclear whether or not it will be able to be re-anchored. The NPS is looking for any information the public can provide about the incident. Source: Death Valley National Park
May 29, 2024
Death Valley National Park
Medical fatality
On May 19, a 70-year-old was driving along Artists Drive when they went unconscious. Their spouse, a passenger in the car, was able to stop the vehicle safely and move the individual to the back seat. The spouse drove to Furnace Creek and called 9-1-1 as soon as they had service. NPS staff did CPR. An automated external defibrillator (AED) was attached but did not advise shocking. After consulting with University Medical Center, the individual was pronounced deceased. Source: Death Valley National Park
May 29, 2024
Death Valley National Park
Missing person rescued
On May 9, a 31-year-old went missing from a day-tour group at Artists Palette. The tour guide searched for the individual, then drove to Furnace Creek to report them missing. Personnel from the NPS, Inyo County (CA) Sheriff's Office, and California Highway Patrol attempted a search. The individual had tipped their guide at the start of the tour and had told other people in the tour group that they were coming to Death Valley for "spiritual reasons." The following morning, a ranger spotted the individual on a steep, unstable ridge north of Artists Palette. Responders were able to communicate with the individual but were not able to find a safe route to access them. A California Highway Patrol helicopter hoisted the individual from the ridge. They later told park staff that they had intended to climb up the slope, wander into the desert, and not return. They "appeared to be experiencing an emotional crisis." Source: Death Valley National Park
May 29, 2024
Death Valley National Park
Follow-up on Previously Reported Incident
On May 16, the park announced that an individual involved in the toppling of a historic salt tram tower in Saline Valley (see 5/15/24 Coalition Report) called the park's tip line and turned themself in. The individual acknowledged it was an accident stemming from their attempt to winch their vehicle out of deep mud and they had no intention of harming the tower. The park did not announce the identity of the individual, nor whether any punitive actions will occur. Source: NBC News
June 12, 2024
Death Valley National Park
Vehicle fatality of staff member
On May 26, a 28-year-old NPS staff member, Rigoberto "RJ" Avina, died in a single-vehicle accident on CA-190. He was not on duty at the time of the accident. He had worked for park's maintenance division since September 2021. Source: Death Valley National Park
July 10, 2024
Death Valley National Park
Motorcyclist heat fatality, illness
On July 6, a group of six motorcyclists experienced heat illness while traveling through Badwater Basin during 128F temperatures, an all-time record for July 6. One of the individuals passed away, one was treated for severe heat illness and transported to advanced medical care in Las Vegas, Nevada. Four others were treated onsite and released. Emergency medical flight helicopters were unable to respond due to temperatures exceeding 120F. The incident was supported by responders from the NPS, Pahrump, NV, Death Valley Natural History Association, Inyo County (CA) Sheriff's Office, Inyo County Coroner, and the Southern Inyo Fire Protection District from Shoshone, CA. Source: Death Valley National Park
July 24, 2024
Death Valley National Park
Emergency aircraft landing
On July 2, a small private airplane was flying from Pahrump, Nevada, to Ridgecrest, California, when it started experiencing engine trouble over the southern end of Death Valley. The pilot changed course for the nearest airstrip, Maury Sorrells Shoshone Airport, but was not able to make it. Instead, the aircraft landed on California Highway 178, west of Salsberry Pass in Bradbury Wash. Personnel from Inyo County (CA) Sheriff, Caltrans, and California Highway Patrol responded and safely escorted the aircraft off the highway onto a wide shoulder. The plane was later removed by trailer. Source: Death Valley National Park
July 24, 2024
Death Valley National Park
Power outage in heat wave
On July 13, a powerline leading to Furnace Creek Visitor Center, Cow Creek, and Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station failed due to "localized intense wind associated with a thunderstorm." Hotels, restaurants, and gas stations in the park did not lose power. Southern California Edison was able to supply a large generator, allowing the visitor center to reopen on July 15. Employees, their families, and pets were evacuated to nearby hotels. The park has experienced several heat records recently and is trending for the hottest July on-record. Southern California Edison was able to use a helicopter to replace a downed pole, and power was fully restored on July 16. Source: Death Valley National Park (press release, Facebook post)
July 24, 2024
Death Valley National Park
Truck fire
On July 15, a large stake-bed truck ignited on fire after its brakes overheated while descending Towne Pass on CA0190 during 120F temperatures. Personnel from the NPS, San Bernardino County (CA) Fire Protection District, Beatty (NV) Fire Service, and Bureau of Land Management's California Desert District Fire responded to the incident. Due to low staffing levels, response was delayed, with the first engine on site 90 minutes after it was reported. The truck was destroyed in the fire. The drive was uninjured. It is the fourth vehicle to catch fire while descending Towne Pass this year. Source: Death Valley National Park
July 24, 2024
Death Valley National Park
Hiker rescue
On July 18, two individuals started hiking the Badlands Loop at about 9:30 AM, when temperatures were about 110F. The group got lost for a time. Eventually, one of the individuals was unable to continue walking. The other person returned to the Zabriskie Point parking lot to request help. Due to the lack of cell phone signal, a bystander drove five miles to report the medical emergency at Furnace Creek Visitor Center at 11 AM. In the meantime, bystanders carried the distressed individual, now unconscious, toward the parking lot. NPS staff arrived on scene and cooled the individual in an ambulance. They drove the individual to a landing zone at 3,000 feet of elevation, where it was cool enough for a Mercy Air helicopter to land safely. The helicopter transported the individual to Centennial Hills Hospital in Las Vegas. Source: Sierra Wave Media
August 7, 2024
Death Valley National Park
Hiker burned
On July 20, a 42-year-old was hiking at the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes when they lost their shoes. "Due to communication challenges, park rangers were not able to determine if [their] flip flops broke or were lost in the sand." The air temperature was 123F, meaning the ground temperature "would have been much hotter." The individual's family called for help and other bystanders helped carry the individual to the parking lot. NPS staff responded and transported the individual in an ambulance to a landing zone at a higher and cooler elevation, and a Mercy Air helicopter transported the individual to University Medical Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The individual suffered full-thickness burns on their feet. Source: Death Valley National Park
August 7, 2024
Death Valley National Park
Staff fatality
On July 20, the operations manager at Stovepipe Wells Village, a long-time member of the Death Valley community, was found deceased in their residence from "apparent medical causes." Staff from the NPS and Inyo County responded to the incident. Source: Death Valley National Park
August 7, 2024
Death Valley National Park
Possible suicide
On July 20, an individual was found deceased in their vehicle "near CA-178." "Initial appearances are that the woman died by suicide." Source: Death Valley National Park
August 7, 2024
Death Valley National Park
Car fire
On July 21, a vehicle caught on fire at Dantes View. Personnel from the NPS, Amargosa Volunteer Fire Department, and Pahrump Fire Department responded to the fire. An NPS fire engine was unable to respond due to insufficient numbers of fire-trained staff available. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was destroyed. The cause of the fire is unknown but it suspected to be an electrical issue. It is the fifth vehicle fire in the park in the past year. Source: Death Valley National Park
August 21, 2024
Death Valley National Park
Vehicle fires (separate incidents)
On August 11, a fifth wheel travel trailer ignited on fire as it descended Towne Pass on CA-190. The driver and passenger saved their pickup truck by unhooking it from the burning trailer. They attempted to put the fire out with fire extinguishers. An off-duty NPS staff member reported the fire. Due to a shortage of employees with firefighting certification, they called for outside units from the San Bernardino County (CA) Fire Protection District, Mojave National Preserve, California Highway Patrol, Caltrans, and the Bureau of Land Management. The trailer was destroyed completely. The driver and passenger stated that they believe a propane issue near the refrigerator started the fire. Source: Death Valley National Park
On August 15, a delivery truck ignited on fire while driving on CA-190 near Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. It is believed that overheated brakes started the fire. Personnel from the NPS, Beatty Volunteer Fire Department, Caltrans, and California Highway Patrol responded to the incident. The driver was not injured in the incident. The truck "burned to the ground." It is the fourth vehicle fire in the park in just over a month. Source: Death Valley National Park
August 21, 2024
Death Valley National Park
Heat fatality
On August 1, a 57-year-old hiked the one-mile Natural Bridge Trail in the afternoon. Other visitors noticed the individual stumble upon their return to the parking lot and offered to help. The individual declined, and the bystanders said that their "responses did not make sense." The individual got into their car and drove off a steep 20-foot embankment at the edge of the parking lot. The car rolled over and the airbags deployed. A bystander left to call 911, while other bystanders helped the individual walk back to the parking lot and into some shade. The bystanders said the individual stopped breathing just before NPS staff arrived. The park staff started CPR and moved the individual into an air-conditioned ambulance. The individual passed away in the ambulance. An autopsy by the Inyo County (CA) Coroner found that the individual died of hyperthermia. The park was recorded as 119F that day. Source: Death Valley National Park
August 21, 2024
Death Valley National Park
4 calls for assistance in one afternoon
On August 13, a concession employee began hiking from Panamint Springs Resort at 4 AM. They crossed Panamint Valley, climbed Panamint Butte's West Face, and summited around noon. After looking at a map, they decided to descend through a canyon, but eventually came to a place that would require rappelling, and they did not have technical gear. They re-ascended, then descended the route they had climbed earlier in the day. At about 4:30 PM, the individual ran out of water. They lost consciousness for a brief amount of time and slid down a scree slope. They eventually woke up, found themself bruised, and called for a rescue via satellite device around 6 PM. A helicopter from Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake was dispatched, but delayed by technical difficulties. They were eventually able to respond and rescued the hiker at about 11:15 PM.
That same day...
...an individual reported their spouse overdue after failing to return from a drive to Badwater in the planned amount of time. Inyo County (CA) Sheriff's deputies began searching the area, and the missing individual eventually was able to contact their spouse that they were safe.
...an individual planned a one-hour hike at Mosaic Canyon, but after five hours had passed, had still not returned. Their family reported them overdue. Shortly after calling for help, the overdue individual reached cell phone coverage and called their family.
...an individual got into a car accident near milepost 18 on North Highway. They received a ride with other park visitors, who called in the accident. Park staff met up with the individual along North Highway, evaluated their medical condition, then gave them "a courtesy non-ambulance transport to Pahrump, NV." Source: Death Valley National Park
September 18, 2024
Death Valley National Park
Burro fatalities
On September 11, the park announced that 11 burros were found deceased near Owls Hole Spring. It is believed to be due to a toxic algal bloom caused by warm temperatures and burro feces. Park staff have installed a sign adjacent to the spring warning visitors that the water may be hazardous to humans and pets. Source: Death Valley National Park
December 11, 2024
Death Valley National Park
Truck fire
On November 21, a semi-truck had its brakes overheat while descending Daylight Pass and Mud Canyon Road, which is closed to commercial truck traffic. The brakes caused the truck to ignite, and the truck driver pulled over upon hitting flat terrain on CA-190. Personnel from the NPS, Caltrans, and California Highway Patrol responded to the scene. The cargo, 44,000 pounds of dried chickpeas, was destroyed in the incident. Two Star Towing removed the wreckage and cleaned up the remaining detritus. Source: Death Valley National Park
December 11, 2024
Death Valley National Park
Earthquake shakes Devils Hole
On December 5, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake occurred off the coast of Northern California. About two minutes later, water in Devils Hole, about 500 miles away, began to slosh. It disrupted the water on the shallow shelf that serves as the spawning ground for the endangered Devils Hole pupfish. Many of the adult pupfish swam deeper into the cave during the incident. Park scientists suspect pupfish eggs were lost in the incident, but they expect a high spawning season to come, per prior earthquakes. Source: Death Valley National Park
January 8, 2025
Death Valley National Park
Vehicle fire
On December 29, a semi-truck driving down Towne Pass on CA-190 had its brakes overheat, igniting a fire. Fire personnel from the NPS and Beatty (NV) responded and extinguished the fire. The driver was cited for driving on a suspended license. This is the eighth vehicle fire in the park this year, six of which were caused by overheating brakes. Source: Death Valley National Park
January 8, 2025
Death Valley National Park
Follow-up on Previously Reported Incident
On January 6, the park closed Emigrant Canyon Road for road repairs. It was damaged by severed flash flooding during Hurricane Hilary in August 2023. A temporary fix was put in place in Spring 2024, which allowed the road to reopen. However, in order to better protect the road from future flooding, more extensive repairs are needed. The project is being funded by the Federal Highway Administration's Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads program and the NPS' Disaster Supplemental funding. Emigrant Canyon Road will remain closed throughout construction, with no road access to the Wildrose area until March 2025. Source: Death Valley National Park
January 22, 2025
Death Valley National Park
Illegal off-roading
In late December or early January, a vehicle or multiple vehicles illegally drove on the Eureka Dunes, damaging several endangered Eureka dunegrass plants, and likely causing damage to seed beds and other rare plants. Over two miles of vehicle tracks were left on the dunes. The park is looking for any information the public can provide about the incident. Source: Death Valley National Park
January 22, 2025
Death Valley National Park
Hiker rescue
On January 15, two individuals went hiking in Mosaic Canyon. At a junction, the two hikers decided to split up, one staying on the main trail, while the other went into a side canyon, intending to loop back to the trail further up. The off-trail hiker eventually found themself in steep and unstable terrain, unable to ascend or descend. They had a satellite-enabled phone and called for help. NPS personnel responded to the slope and were able to reach the individual on foot. A rescue helicopter from Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake was also dispatched to the scene, but the risk of rotor wash dislodging loose rocks on scene was too great for a hoist operation. The NPS personnel set up a rope rescue anchor and lowered the individual down the slope. They then rappelled down the cliff to complete the rescue. Source: Death Valley National Park
January 22, 2025
Death Valley National Park
Bomb threat
On January 8, an individual called 911 reporting a bomb/shooting threat at Furnace Creek Ranch. The caller claimed to be a relative of a former employee at the lodging facility. Inyo County (CA) law enforcement, in collaboration with NPS personnel from Death Valley and Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Inyo-Mono County Special Enforcement Detail, and Nye County (NV) Sheriff's Office dispatched to the lodge and conducted a thorough search with an explosive detection K-9 unit. No threats were identified, and "the investigation remains active and ongoing." The investigation is being aided by the NPS, California Highway Patrol, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Source: Pahrump Valley Times