Motorcyclist probably dies from heat exposure in California’s Death Valley

July 7 (UPI) – A motorcyclist has died in California’s Death Valley National Park, presumably from heat exposure. Officials are warning visitors there that temperatures there could reach up to 54.4 degrees Celsius.

The identity of the motorcyclist has not been publicly released, but Death Valley National Park said in a statement that the deceased died on Saturday while traveling in a group of six people near the Badwater Basin Slat Flats.

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A second motorcyclist suffered severe heat illness and had to be transported to Las Vegas, while four others were treated and released at the scene.

“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 when temperatures are this high,” park ranger Mike Reynolds said in a statement.

According to preliminary data, the temperature reached a high of 128 degrees on Saturday, surpassing Death Valley’s official daily record of 127 degrees.

The incident came as the park warns potential visitors to expect temperatures between 100 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Visitors are advised not to hike through Death Valley after 10 a.m. and to drink plenty of water.

“When the heat index exceeds 99 degrees Fahrenheit (37.2 degrees Celsius), the ambient air no longer provides relief,” the park said in a statement.

“Aside from not being able to cool down while riding due to the high ambient temperatures, experiencing Death Valley by motorcycle in this heat is another challenge as heavy protective gear must be worn to avoid injury in the event of an accident.”