Motorcyclist dies during Death Valley ride: heat complications suspected

(NPS) - A motorcyclist died after being overcome by the heat during a ride in Death Valley on Saturday, according to the National Park Service.

Another rider was treated for severe heat illness and transported to Las Vegas, while four others were treated on site and released.
All 6 motorcyclists were members of the same group.

Due to the high temperatures, emergency medical flight helicopters were unable to respond, as they cannot generally fly safely over 120 degrees.

Preliminary data recorded 128F as the high temperature on July 6. This surpassed the official daily record for Death Valley, 127F, recorded in 2007.

“High heat like this can pose real threats to your health,” said Superintendent Mike Reynolds. “While this is a very exciting time to experience potential world record setting temperatures in Death Valley, we encourage visitors to choose their activities carefully, avoiding prolonged periods of time outside of an air-conditioned vehicle or building when temperatures are this high.”

Once heat index of 99F is exceeded, ambient air no longer helps provide relief. Heat illness and injury are cumulative and can build over the course of a day or days. Besides not being able to cool down while riding due to high ambient air temperatures, experiencing Death Valley by motorcycle when it is this hot is further challenged by the necessary heavy safety gear worn to reduce injuries during an accident.

Park emergency responders were assisted by additional personnel from Pahrump, NV, Death Valley Natural History Association, the Inyo County Sherriff’s Office, Inyo County Coroner, and the Southern Inyo Fire Protection District from Shoshone, CA.