Tragic news out of California’s Death Valley National Park where 57-year-old Peter Hayes Robino from Duarte died of hyperthermia (abnormally high body temperature) after a one-mile roundtrip on Natural Bridge Trail tucked back in a Death Valley canyon.
Upon returning to his car, Robino was stumbling. Bystanders tried to help him but he declined their offers. Robino then got in his car and drove off a 20-foot embankment in the parking lot and rolled his vehicle. A bystander called 911 while others helped him out his car and into the shade. National Park Service emergency responders arrived 20 minutes later. Robino stopped breathing just before help arrived. National Park Service EMTs administered CPR and moved Robino into the air-conditioned ambulance. Robino was declared dead at 4:42.
An autopsy determined Robino died of hyperthermia. The Furnace Creek weather station recorded 119°F that afternoon. Park officials want to remind visitors of the dangers of extreme heat exposure and to take all necessary precautions. Learn more about heat safety below.
Death Valley National Park Statement:
A man died of heat exposure at Natural Bridge Trailhead on August 1, 2024. Peter Hayes Robino (57) was a resident of the Los Angeles County community of Duarte. This was the second heat death this summer in Death Valley National Park.
Bystanders saw Robino stumble as he returned from the one-mile roundtrip Natural Bridge Trail. The bystanders offered to help Robino, but he declined. They said his responses did not make sense.
Robino got in his car and drove off a steep 20-foot embankment at the edge of the parking lot. The car rolled over and airbags deployed. A bystander left to call 911. Other bystanders helped Robino walk back to the parking lot and provided shade.
National Park Service (NPS) emergency responders received the 911 call at 3:50 pm and arrived at 4:10. The bystanders said Robino was breathing until just before the park rangers arrived. NPS EMTs started CPR and moved Robino into the air-conditioned ambulance. Robino was declared dead at 4:42.
An autopsy conducted by the Inyo County Coroner found that Robino died of hyperthermia. Symptoms of overheating can include confusion, irritability, and lack of coordination. The Furnace Creek weather station recorded 119°F that afternoon.
“My condolences go out to Mr. Robino’s family and friends,” said Superintendent Mike Reynolds, who was one of the EMTs that responded to this incident. “His death serves as a reminder not to underestimate the dangers of extreme heat.”
Park rangers in Death Valley National Park advise that summer visitors:
- Avoid the heat by staying in or near air-conditioning,
- Not hike after 10 am at low elevations
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat salty snacks.
Death Valley National Park Heat Safety Guidelines:
Drink plenty of water: Drink at least one gallon (4 liters) of water per day to replace loss from sweat, more if you are active. Be aware of balancing fluid and electrolyte levels.
Avoid hiking in the heat: Do not hike in the low elevations when temperatures are hot. The mountains are cooler in summer, but can have snow and ice in winter.
Travel prepared to survive: Stay on paved roads in summer. If your car breaks down, stay with it until help comes. Carry extra drinking water in your car in case of emergency.
Watch for signs of trouble: If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or a headache, get out of the sun immediately and drink water or sports drinks. Dampen clothing to lower body temperature. Be alert for symptoms in others.
