This is a really tragic story, and I've enjoyed the comments that have been posted. Does anybody have any ideas about what he could have done to survive this situation given the supplies he had?

Good to know. I get confused with all the different areas: Death Valley, Mojave, Joshua Tree, etc. In fact, I may just be splitting hairs and they're all part of the same desert.

Probably the only thing that I would have done would be to hole up during the day and hike at night (If at all). There's probably some scrub brush, so there's probably a minimal amount of shade. If he had a way to dig, maybe stop an hour or 2 before sunrise and dry and dig a shallow ditch to get to a bit cooler dirt. Otherwise, I'd pretty much avoid any desert survival situation!

Yup. Interesting place in the winter, miserable in the summer...

I spent four months at the Mojave National Preserve last year (in the winter). Other than the occasional snow storm, finding ground water was next to impossible. We spent days and days prowling around in a 4WD, never did see any natural water. Much worse in the summer...

"...above average in your botany..."

THAT'S why I didn't notice it! I am far below average when it comes to botany...

Yup. I had the pamphlet and still could only find it with help. I guess I am plant challenged...

I live in Kingman and know first hand the high desert can be terribly unforgiving. All of out vehicles (Trucks All) have a survival kit in them including water, tarps for shade, food and signaling devices as well as bunch of stuf to make your wait as comfortable as possible if you get stranded somewhere.

However, I think the biggest issue here is nobody knew where he had gone. If you are going to venture out into the wilderness it's critically important to tell someone where you are going and when to expect you back. Additionally STAY WITH THE VEHICLE. It's lots bigger and easier to find than a body. This poor fellow make all the worst mistakes and payed for it with his life.

Another example of why you should stay with your car. As so many of these situations play out, his car was found before his body was. One day for this one, might have been enough to save him.

Also, in the desert environment, the car is your best source of shade. ....And putting the hood up and even someone not looking for you in a small plane knows your broke down and might radio it in.

Definitely a hard way to learn a lesson.