California Hiker Killed In Death Valley Fall

DEATH VALLEY, CA – A Huntington Beach man who hiked alone at Death Valley National Park died, officials announced Monday. A search for Peter Rhoad, 57, began July 16 after rangers received a call from his fiancée that he was missing.

Park rangers later found Rhoad's car at the Panamint Dunes trailhead the same day, and his body the next day in the same vicinity, officials said.

An autopsy performed by the Inyo County Deputy Coroner determined Rhoad died as a result of a skull fracture caused by a fall.

Park rangers do not recommend hiking at low elevations in Death Valley National Park during the summer due to excessive heat.

People driving or hiking in remote areas should communicate their plans to a trusted friend or family member. That person should have detailed information about the hiker’s plans. The hiker should commit to a time that he or she will be back in cell phone coverage and check in with the friend. If the hiker misses that check in time, then the friend will report them overdue and request a search, officials said.

--Photo courtesy of National Park Service