News Release

Park employee died in off-duty vehicle crash

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Rigoberto “RJ” Avina at Furnace Creek Visitor Center in 2021.

NPS

News Release Date: June 4, 2024
Contact: Abby Wines, 760-786-3221

DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – Rigoberto “RJ” Avina died in a vehicle crash in Death Valley National Park on May 26. Avina had worked for the National Park Service for nearly 3 years but was not on duty at the time of the accident.

“RJ's passing leaves a hole in our community’s heart,” said Superintendent Mike Reynolds. “He was a smart young man with a bright future. I will miss his smile and grieve for his family’s loss.”

Avina, 28, of Pahrump, NV, had worked in Death Valley National Park’s maintenance division since September 2021. He was survived by his wife and two young sons. 

Avina died in a single-vehicle accident on CA-190. Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of fatalities in Death Valley National Park.

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