Motorcyclist Dies as Record Heat Hits Death Valley

The biker was near Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, as the temperature in the park hit 128
Motorcyclist Dies as Record Heat Hits Death Valley
Signage warns of extreme heat danger at the salt flats of Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park on June 17, 2021, in Inyo County, California. Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images
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A sweltering heat wave has caused record-high temperatures in some parts of California and contributed to the death of a man riding a motorcycle in Death Valley on July 6.

The motorcyclist was riding through Death Valley National Park on Saturday with a group of five others when he died of heat exposure near Badwater Basin, an expansive salt flat at the south end of the park and the lowest point in North America.

Jill McLaughlin
Jill McLaughlin
Author
Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.