La salle explored for this country and eventually died in the exploration of north America?

René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, explored and claimed parts of North America for France in the 17th century. He is best known for his expeditions along the Mississippi River, where he claimed the entire Mississippi River basin for France. La Salle died in 1687 in present-day Texas while trying to reach French settlements along the Gulf of Mexico.