LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Late May, a National Park Service employee died in a vehicle crash at Death Valley National Park.
Rigoberto “RJ” Avina, a 28-year-old from Pahrump, died on May 26. Officials say he worked in the park’s maintenance division since Sept. of 2021.
Avina was employed with the National Park Service for nearly three years. Officials say he 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 died in a single-vehicle accident on CA-190.
Officials say vehicle crashes are the leading cause of fatalities in Death Valley National Park.
He was survived by his wife and two young sons.
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