Heat in Death Valley makes six motorcyclists sick, one dies

DEATH VALLEY, Calif. (KOLO) – A motorcyclist died Saturday from heat exposure in Death Valley National Park.

Another motorcyclist was treated for serious illness and taken to Las Vegas for medical care, the National Park Service said on Sunday. Four other motorcyclists were treated on site and released.

All six were part of the same group. The incident occurred near Badwater Basin. Rescue helicopters were unable to respond because it is not safe to fly in temperatures above 120 degrees, the Park Service said. The official high temperature on Saturday was 128 degrees, beating the daily record of 127 degrees set in 2007.

“High heat like this can pose a real threat to your health,” Superintendent Mike Reynolds said in a statement. “While it is very exciting to experience potentially world-record temperatures in Death Valley, we advise visitors to choose their activities carefully and avoid spending extended periods of time outside of an air-conditioned vehicle or building in temperatures this high.”

Once temperatures exceed 98 degrees, the ambient air no longer cools the rider. In addition, the rider’s safety equipment can make it difficult to cool down, according to the Park Service.

Heat illness can develop over one or more days, the Park Service said.

It is recommended not to hike during the heat wave, especially at lower altitudes.

Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park is the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level.

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