Officials: 9 Cold Weather-Related Deaths Reported In The Area This Year
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Officials say the cold is more than just dangerous, it can be deadly, with nine deaths reported in the area over the past few weeks. Authorities say five people have died in Montgomery County, two in Lehigh County, one in Berks County and one in Philadelphia.
Officials say it is important to check on those who are most vulnerable during extreme cold weather like this.
READ: Cold Weather Survival Guide
According to the Montgomery County Coroner, last month a 79-year-old man with a history of dementia was found near his home. He died from hypothermia.
On February 5th, officials say a 93-year-old woman from Lower Merion was found outside of her residence. They say she also had a history of dementia and died of hypothermia.
That same day, a 68-year-old man died from hypothermia in West Philadelphia.
Later this month, a 73-year-old man from Whitpain died from hypothermia. Authorities say his heat stopped working and he decided to stay in his home to prevent people from stealing his home's copper pipes.
Overnight on Thursday, officials say a female who was at least 60-years-old died from hypothermia.
The Lehigh County Coroner says on February 14th, a 90-year-old woman fell outside and sustained a head injury. She died from hypothermia.
The coroner says Thursday morning an 86-year-old man with several medical issues passed away due to hypothermia.
Officials in Berks County say earlier this month, an 89-year-old woman was found on her property after slipping and falling down an embankment eight hours earlier. She later died from hypothermia.
Police in Philadelphia say an 80-year-old woman who was reported missing on February 18th was found Friday, but later died of hypothermia. Police say she suffered from dementia and frequently wandered from her home where she was last seen Wednesday.
