Peter Hayes Robino Obituary, Death – Earlier this month, a man succumbed to heat exposure in the extreme temperatures of Death Valley National Park. Peter Hayes Robino, a 57-year-old from Los Angeles, died after his car veered off a 20-foot embankment on August 1. Before the accident, park visitors noticed Robino struggling to walk and attempted to help him after he had completed a mile hike on the Natural Bridge Trail. Despite their offers of assistance, he chose to drive away and subsequently crashed his vehicle.
Witnesses reported that Robino’s behavior was erratic and his behavioural responses were incoherent when they tried to engage with him. Following the crash, which caused his car to roll over and deploy the airbags, bystanders called 911 and helped him to a shaded area in the parking lot.
When emergency responders arrived, Robino was still breathing, but they had to administer CPR while transferring him to an air-conditioned ambulance. Unfortunately, Robino was pronounced dead within the hour. An autopsy conducted by the Inyo County Coroner confirmed that his death was due to hyperthermia, or overheating.
Park officials noted that symptoms of heat-related illnesses include confusion, irritability, and impaired coordination. With temperatures soaring to 119 degrees Fahrenheit that day, Robino’s tragic death highlights the severe risks of extreme heat. This incident marks the second heat-related fatality at Death Valley National Park this summer.
Mike Reynolds, one of the first responders, extended his condolences to Robino’s family and friends, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the dangers posed by extreme heat.