Park Service employee from Pahrump dies in Death Valley crash

(NPS) - The National Park Service has released more information about a Pahrump man who died in a crash in Death Valley late last month.

Rigoberto “RJ” Avina died in a single-vehicle crash on CA-190 Death Valley National Park on May 26 ^th . Avina had worked for the National Park Service for nearly 3 years but was not on duty at the time of the accident.

Details about the crash have not been released.

“RJ's passing leaves a hole in our community’s heart,” said Superintendent Mike Reynolds. “He was a smart young man with a bright future. I will miss his smile and grieve for his family’s loss.”

Avina, 28, had worked in Death Valley National Park’s maintenance division since September 2021. He was survived by his wife and two young sons.