57-year-old dies from heat exposure in Death Valley National Park

LAS VEGAS, Nevada (FOX5) – A 57-year-old man died this month from heat-related injuries in Death Valley National Park.

The National Park Service said a man named Peter Hayes Robino of Los Angeles was at the Natural Bridge Trailhead.

The park service said passersby saw Robina “stumbling” as he returned from the one-mile loop walk. They tried to help, but he denied it.

Bystanders said his answers didn’t make sense.

Robino got in his car and drove down a steep 20-foot embankment at the edge of the parking lot. The car rolled over and the airbags deployed. A passerby went and called 911.

Other bystanders helped Robino walk back to the parking lot and provided shade.

National Park Service (NPS) rescue teams received the emergency call at 3:50 p.m. and arrived at 4:10 p.m.

Bystanders said Robino was breathing until shortly before park rangers arrived. NPS paramedics began CPR and moved Robino into the air-conditioned ambulance.

Robino was pronounced dead at 4:42 a.m. This is the second heat-related death in the park this summer.

An autopsy conducted by the Inyo County Medical Examiner found that Robino died of hyperthermia. Symptoms of overheating can include confusion, irritability and lack of coordination.

The Furnace Creek weather station recorded 48 °C (119 °F) that afternoon.

“My condolences go out to Mr Robino’s family and friends,” said Superintendent Mike Reynolds, one of the paramedics who responded to the incident. “His death is a reminder not to underestimate the dangers of extreme heat.”

Park rangers in Death Valley National Park advise summer visitors to:

• Avoid the heat by staying in or near an air conditioner,
• Do not hike at low altitudes after 10 a.m.
• Drink plenty of water and
• Eat salty snacks.

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