A routine desert patrol 2.5km from the remote Alkali Flat trail discovers the bodies of two French hikers, rescues a surviving boy

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

Two tourists from France have been found dead after hiking in New Mexico’s White Sands National Monument, but a young boy was rescued, authorities said on Thursday.

The child was found alive and treated for heat exposure on Tuesday when the daytime temperature at the monument was 38C, park rangers said.

Authorities didn’t immediately release the names and ages of the three, their hometown in France or their relationship to one another.

Park rangers were on patrol about 2.5km from the Alkali Flat trailhead when they found the woman’s body about 5:30pm on Tuesday.

They said the dead man and surviving child were located about half an hour later by monument and Alamogordo emergency personnel.

The deaths are being investigated by the Otero County Sheriff’s Office in New Mexico.

French authorities have been notified and are assisting in the case.



The White Sands National Monument, located about 26 kilometres south-west of Alamogordo, is known for its white sand dunes composed of gypsum crystals.

Authorities recommend that visitors to the monument take summer hikes only in the early morning or early evening when the temperature is cooler because there is no shade or water along any of the trails.