Death Valley hiker dies of heat exhaustion after crashing car after hiking on 119-degree day
Peter Hayes Robino, a resident of Los Angeles County, death from heat exposure after a mile-long hike and subsequent car accident in Death Valley National Park on August 1, marks second heat-related death this summer in the park. Robino was returning from a mile-long hike on the park’s Natural Bridge Trail, and was clearly distressed and unsteady, according to reports from the scene. He was in his car at the trailhead And drive it off a 20 foot cliff Where the car overturned and airbags were deployed.
Bystanders acted quickly to rescue Robino, with one group going outside to find a cell phone signal to call 911, while another group helped Robino out of the car and onto the parking lot, where they found shade for him.
Emergency responders received a 911 call at 3:50 p.m. and arrived on scene 20 minutes later, according to the NPS. The National Park Service performed CPR and placed Robino in an air-conditioned ambulance. Those who helped move Robino said he was still breathing until minutes before park rangers arrived. After 32 minutes of trying to revive Robino, he was pronounced dead at 4:42 p.m.
Symptoms of hyperthermia appear to match witness testimony before Robino’s crash. He was seen staggering around the parking lot, and when asked if he needed help, he brushed them off with “nonsense” responses.
“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 that we should not underestimate the dangers of extreme heat.”
During extreme heat waves this summer, the NPS recommends not hiking in the park after 10 a.m., drinking plenty of water, and eating salty snacks. Even a short hike in 120-degree weather can seriously impact your cognitive abilities. If you or anyone in your group feels confused, irritable, or uncoordinated, drink plenty of water and get to an air-conditioned room and rest as quickly as possible.
