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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
World
Kelly-Ann Mills

Tourist dies after car breaks down trying to find petrol station in extreme 50C heat

A tourist died while walking to get petrol after his car broke down in America's Death Valley as temperatures hit 50C.

Park officials say that retired Marine Corp captain David Kelleher was found more than two miles from his vehicle - and only 30ft from the California Highway 190.

Death Valley National Park ranger first noticed his car parked at Zabriskie Point, a popular spot to watch sunrise and sunset.

The same ranger then noticed that the car had not been moved three days later and went for a closer look of the vehicle when he spotted a note that read “out of gas”.

Officials say that the extreme temperatures of 123F (50.5C) limited search efforts for Mr Kelleher.

The National Park Service reported that the 67-year-old had been cited for off-road driving on May 30 and had told a ranger then that he was low on gas.

David Kelleher served for 22 years (Facebook)

The park service said in a statement : “Kelleher’s body was found by park visitors around 2pm on June 14.

"Kelleher was about 2.5miles from their vehicle, but only about 30feet from California Highway 190, obscured by terrain and a mesquite tree."

A Facebook page honouring Mr Kelleher described him as: “A proud veteran who served in the US Marine Corps for 22 years.

“He retired as Captain in 1994 at his last duty station at Camp Futenma in Okinawa, Japan.

He had been seen by a ranger in Death Valley (Getty Images)

“Those who wish to express sympathy should consider donating to the Wounded Warriors Family Support."

Earlier this month, the body of 69-year-old John McCarr was also found in the area amid soaring temperatures.

Park rangers have warned people to wait inside broken-down vehicles during extreme heat rather than trying to walk for help.

Death Valley recorded its highest ever temperature in June 2020 when it hit 130F - equivalent to 54C.

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