Twentynine Palms, California – On Thursday, August 20, the body of Alberto Serrano Alvarez of Coachella Valley was found near a sedan along Black Eagle Mine Road in Joshua Tree National Park. The road is unpaved and unmaintained and is only open to high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles. Responding law enforcement rangers confirmed the man was deceased and that he had likely died several hours before being found. An interagency investigation is ongoing, led by Joshua Tree National Park law enforcement and Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. Once the investigation is complete more details may be released.

Park officials advise visitors to always let someone know where you plan to go and what time you plan to return. There is no water, fuel, or cell service in the national park. The summer brings the additional danger of extreme heat and visitors are encouraged to recreate early in the day before 10 am. Dirt roads should only be used by skilled drivers with properly equipped four-wheel drive vehicles.