2021 — Excessive natural heat, especially AZ/854, WA/170, NV/166, CA/140, OR/133 –1,923
Compiled by Wayne Blanchard; last edit 2-9-2024 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/
–1,923 Blanchard tally based on compilation of State breakouts below.
–1,601 Hurt, Alyson (NPR). Citing National Cen. for Health Statistics, in Huang, Hurt, Wroth.
From Table: “Heat-related deaths in the U.S. have increased in recent years.”
–1,580 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. T67 search for 2021.
–1,577 Davis. “Heat-Related Deaths up 56% Between 2018 and 2021, Provisional Data Shows.”
Davis. “Heat was a contributing factor in 1,577 U.S. deaths in 2021, according to provisional data.”
–1,530 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. X30 excessive natural heat code.
— 937 CDC WONDER. Underlying Cause of Death, 2018-2021, Single Race Results X30 search
Note: Within CDC breakouts by State, they show only those states with over 9 deaths.
Actual count of deaths in States with non-suppressed values (10 or more deaths) comes
to 822 deaths. Thus 115 deaths in other states are suppressed.
Summary of State Breakouts Below
Alabama 10 Henderson. “Some states act to protect…extreme heat…” 11-7-2023.
Arizona 854 The CDC shows 418 in Multiple Cause of Death T67 search results.
Arkansas 16
California 140
Colorado 14
Florida 31
Georgia 14
Idaho 11
Kansas 1
Louisiana 38
Maryland 19
Michigan 13
Minnesota 1
Missouri 16
Nebraska 1
Nevada 166
New Jersey 11
New Mexico 17
New York 16
North Carolina 15
Ohio 16
Oklahoma 13
Oregon 133
Pennsylvania 26
South Carolina 19
Tennessee 18
Texas 92 (40 migrants illegally crossing into Brooks County from Mexico)
Utah 1
Virginia 16
Washington 170 The CDC shows 106. Thus our data adds 32 deaths.
Wisconsin 15
Total 1,923
On CDC WONDER Heat Codes:
T67.0 (Heatstroke and sunstroke);
T67.1 (Heat syncope); heat syncope (fainting) factors include dehydration and lack of acclimatization
T67.2 (Heat cramp);
T67.3 (Heat exhaustion, anhydrotic);
T67.4 (Heat exhaustion due to salt depletion);
T67.5 (Heat exhaustion, unspecified);
T67.6 (Heat fatigue, transient);
T67.7 (Heat oedema);
T67.8 (Other effects of heat and light);
T67.9 (Effect of heat and light, unspecified)
X30 Exposure to excessive natural heat as a cause of morbidity.[1]
According to the CDC’s MMWR “Heat-Related Deaths – United States, 1999-2003 (55(29), 7-28-2006, 796-798), “CDC uses information from death certificates categorized by codes from the International Classification of Diseases to estimate national mortality trends. These data, collected and submitted by states, were used to determine the number of deaths in the United States during 1999–2003 that had exposure to excessive natural heat recorded as the underlying cause (code X30 from ICD, tenth revision [ICD-10]), hyperthermia recorded as a contributing factor (ICD-10 code T67) (6), or both.” Thus X30 is a primary or underlying cause of death code and T76 is a contributing factor code. Examples are given of types of underlying cause of death conditions which can be found with “hyperthermia” (defined as “abnormally high body temperature caused by the body’s inability to dissipate heat”) noted as a contributing factor: The largest number of such deaths were those involving “cardiovascular diseases.”
Breakout of State and Local (where available) 2021 Heat and Related Deaths
Alabama 10
–10 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. T67 search for 2021.
–10 Henderson. “Some states act to protect residents from extreme heat…” 11-7-2023.
— 1 Holly Pond, Aug 22. Boy, 3, found at family home in hot vehicle; died in hospital.[2]
Arizona >854
— 854 AZ Dept. of Health Services. Heat-Caused & Heat-Related Deaths in [AZ] by Year (2011-2021).
–302 Heat-Caused Deaths. Death rate 2.5 per 100,000 population, p. 1.[3]
–185 Arizona Resident. P. 2. Table: “Heat-Caused Deaths Summary 2011-2021.”
–117 Non-Arizona Resident. “
–552 Heat-Related Deaths. Death rate 5.8 per 100,000 pop., p1. Deaths from exposure.
–414 Arizona Resident. P3, Table: “Heat-Related Deaths Summary 2011-2021.
–138 Non-Arizona Resident. “
Breakout of Heat-Caused Deaths by County for 2021. (Page 9)
— 0 Apache County
— 9 Cochise County Non-zero number suppressed if less than 6.
— * Coconino County Non-zero number suppressed if less than 6.
— 0 Gila County. Non-zero number suppressed if less than 6.
— * Graham County Non-zero number suppressed if less than 6.
— 0 Greenlee County
— * La Paz County. Non-zero number suppressed if less than 6.
–115 Maricopa County
— 59 Mohave County
— * Navaho County Non-zero number suppressed if less than 6.
— 53 Pima County
— 8 Pinal County
— 12 Santa Cruz County
— * Yavapai County Non-zero number suppressed if less than 6.
— 31 Yuma County
287
Breakout of Heat-Related Deaths by County for 2021. (Page 10)
— * Apache County Non-zero number suppressed if less than 6.
— 9 Cochise County Non-zero number suppressed if less than 6.
— * Coconino County Non-zero number suppressed if less than 6.
— * Gila County. Non-zero number suppressed if less than 6.
— * Graham County Non-zero number suppressed if less than 6.
— 0 Greenlee County
— * La Paz County. Non-zero number suppressed if less than 6.
–336 Maricopa County
— 60 Mohave County
— * Navaho County Non-zero number suppressed if less than 6.
— 59 Pima County
— 20 Pinal County
— 12 Santa Cruz County
— * Yavapai County Non-zero number suppressed if less than 6.
— 34 Yuma County
530
–418 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. T67 search for 2021.
–283 Maricopa County
— 62 Mohave County
— 17 Pima County
— 20 Pinal County
— 12 Yuma County
–417 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. X30 excessive natural heat code.
–194 CDC WONDER. Underlying Cause of Death, 2018-2021, Single Race Results X30 search
— 1 Mesa, Maricopa. Aug 7. Boy, 7 months, in vehicle, 105 degree day.[4] Null. Noheatstroke.org.
— 1 Bullhead City, Mohave Co. Apparent head-related exposure; female jogger found in desert.[5]
–127 Pima County
–127 Jan-July 19. Illegal migrant bodies found along AZ side of Mexican border.[6]
— 43 May-June, esp. illegal migrant bodies found along AZ side of border with Mex.[7]
— 1 Woman 23, illegal Guatemalan immigrant; had been turned back June 9 & June 11.[8]
Arkansas 16
–16 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. T67 search for 2021.
–15 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. X30 excessive natural heat code.
–13 CDC WONDER Compressed; exposure for excessive natural heat (X30), 3-5-2023.
California 140
–140 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. T67 search for 2021.
–22 Los Angeles County
–51 Riverside County
–13 San Bernardino County
–137 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. X30 excessive natural heat code.
— 80 CDC WONDER search for exposure for excessive natural heat (X30), 3-5-2023.
— 1 Death Valley National Park, Inyo County, July 28. Probable heat-related; hiker, 115⁰ day.[9]
— 1 Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Death Valley, Nov 6. Apparent heat victim; female hiker, 27.[10]
— 1 Red Cathedral area, Death Valley Nat. Park, Aug 18. Suspected heatstroke; male hiker, 60’s.[11]
— 3 Sierra National Forest. Extreme heat; hikers Ellen and Jonathan Gerrish, and daughter Miju.[12]
— 1 Visalia, June 3. Girl 3, in vehicle, 102⁰ day.[13] Null. Heatstroke Deaths of Children in Vehicles.
Colorado 15
–15 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. X30 excessive natural heat code.
–14 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. T67 search for 2021.
Florida 31
–31 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. T67 search for 2021.
–28 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. X30 excessive natural heat code.
–23 CDC WONDER search for exposure for excessive natural heat (X30), 3-5-2023.
— 1 Homestead, Miami-Dade, July 16. Girl, 2, in vehicle, 88 degree day.[14] Null. Noheatstroke.org.
— 1 Labelle, May 1. Heat exhaustion loading watermelons onto a bus. OSHA.[15]
— 1 Miami. May 5. Heat exhaustion while sorting plants at outdoor plant nursery. OSHA.[16]
— 1 Oak Ridge, Sep 8. Infant girl left in hot car after mother’s boyfriend shot/killed mother.[17]
— 1 Pace, June 9. Boy, 9 months, in vehicle, 86⁰ day.[18] Null, Jan. Noheatstroke.org.
Idaho 11
–11 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. T67 search for 2021
–10 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. X30 excessive natural heat code
— 8 Idaho Statesman, Boise. “Here’s what we know about heat-related deaths in Idaho.” 8-2-2021.
— 1 Canyon Co., July 7. Idaho Press. “Treasure Valley has first death caused by heat wave.” 7-7-2021.
Illinois 12
–12 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. T67 search for 2021.
–11 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. X30 excessive natural heat code.
Indiana 11
–11 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. T67 search for 2021.
–11 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. X30 excessive natural heat code.
Kansas 1
–1 Maple City, Aug 10. Boy, 2, gets into family vehicle at home, 96⁰ day, died from heat.[19]
Louisiana 38
–38 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. T67 search for 2021.
–19 Orleans Parish
–22 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. X30 excessive natural heat code.
–19 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.
–14 CDC WONDER search for exposure for excessive natural heat (X30), 3-5-2023.
— 1 Baton Rouge, Oak Grove Drive, Aug 20. Girl (Journee Willis), 1, left in hot vehicle, 91⁰ day.[20]
— 2 East Baton Rouge Parish, “Baton Rouge area.” Excessive heat during an extended power outage.[21]
–1 Male, 69, Sep 6. –1 Female, 85.
— 1 New Iberia, June 14. Boy, 2, in vehicle. Null, Jan. Heatstroke Deaths of Children in Vehicles.
–10 Orleans Parish (Blanchard tally from breakouts below).
–1 Sep 4. Heat exhaustion; male, 74, during power outage. (Orleans Parish Coroner.)[22]
–1 Sep 8. Male, 64; excessive heat, extended power outage. LDH, 9-8-2021.[23]
–1 Sep 8. Male, 64; excessive heat, extended power outage. LDH, 9-8-2021.
–1 Sep 8. Male, 65; excessive heat, extended power outage. LDH, 9-8-2021.
–1 Sep 8. Male, 68; excessive heat, extended power outage. LDH, 9-8-2021.
–1 Sep 8. Male, 73; excessive heat, extended power outage. LDH, 9-8-2021.
–1 Sep 8. Female, 70; excessive heat, extended power outage. LDH, 9-8-2021.
–1 Sep 8. Male,79; excessive heat, extended power outage. LDH, 9-8-2021.
–1 Sep 8. Female, 65; excessive heat, extended power outage. LDH, 9-8-2021.
–1 Sep 8. Female, 74; excessive heat, extended power outage. LDH, 9-8-2021.
— 1 St. Tammany Parish. Sep 14 rpt. Male, 79. Excessive heat during an extended power outage.[24]
— 1 Shreveport, Oct 7. Boy 1. (KTAL/KMSS. “Infant found dead inside vehicle at Shreveport…”)
— 3 Tangipahoa Parish. Relocated nursing home residents; Female, 59, males 52 & 77.[25]
Maryland 19
–19 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. T67 search for 2021.
–18 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. X30 excessive natural heat code.
— 7 Aug 10-16. MD Dept. of Health. “Weekly Heat-related Illness Surveillance Report.” 8-18-2021.[26]
–1 Baltimore City. Male, 45-64
–1 Baltimore City. Male, 65+
–1 Cecil County. Male, 18-44
–1 Harford County. Male, 18-44
–1 Montgomery County Male, 18-44
–1 Prince George’s County Male, 18-44
–1 Washington County Male, 45-64
Michigan 13
–13 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. T67 search for 2021.
–12 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. X30 excessive natural heat code.
Minnesota 1
–1 Hibbing, Aug 9. Boy, 3, in vehicle.[27] Null, Jan. Heatstroke Deaths of Children in Vehicles.
Missouri 16
–16 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. X30 excessive natural heat code.
–16 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. T67 search for 2021.
–12 CDC WONDER search for exposure for excessive natural heat (X30), 3-5-2023.
Nebraska 1
–1 Omaha, Aug 10. Highschool football player during practice, 91⁰ day, 105⁰ heat index.[28]
Nevada 166
–166 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. T67 search for 2021.
–159 Clark County
–165 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. X30 excessive natural heat code.
— 91 Clark County. CDC WONDER search for exposure for excessive natural heat (X30).
— 12 8NewsNow, Las Vegas. “Clark Co. Coroner: 12…heat-related deaths this year.” 7-8-2021.
New Jersey 11
–11 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. T67 search for 2021.
–11 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. X30 excessive natural heat code
–10 CDC WONDER search for exposure for excessive natural heat (X30), 3-5-2023.
New Mexico 17
–17 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. T67 search for 2021.
–16 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. X30 excessive natural heat code.
–11 CDC WONDER search for exposure for excessive natural heat (X30), 3-5-2023.
New York 16
–16 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. T67 search for 2021.
–14 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. X30 excessive natural heat code.
–13 CDC WONDER search for exposure for excessive natural heat (X30), 3-5-2023.
North Carolina 15
–15 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. T67 search for 2021.
–14 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. X30 excessive natural heat code
–12 CDC WONDER search for exposure for excessive natural heat (X30), 3-5-2023.
–1 Fayetteville, Sep 5. Boy, 17 months, left in hot vehicle outside home by father.[29]
–1 Gaston County, June 24. Girl, 2, in vehicle. Null. Heatstroke Deaths of Children in Vehicles.
–1 Iredell County, April 25. Girl, 5 mo., in vehicle. Null. Heatstroke Deaths of Children in Vehicles.
Ohio 16
–16 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. T67 search for 2021.
–15 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. X30 excessive natural heat code
–11 CDC WONDER search for exposure for excessive natural heat (X30), 3-5-2023.
— 1 St. Marys, June 13. Girl, 1, in vehicle. Null, Jan. Heatstroke Deaths of Children in Vehicles.
Oklahoma 13
–13 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. T67 search for 2021.
–12 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. X30 excessive natural heat code.
Oregon 133
–133 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. X30 excessive natural heat code.
–132 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. T67 search for 2021.
–17 Clackamas County
–10 Marion County
–77 Multnomah County
–124 CDC WONDER search for exposure for excessive natural heat (X30), 3-5-2023.
–116 Assoc. Press. “Death toll from record-breaking heat wave hits 116 in Oregon.” 7-7-2021.
–116 OR State Medical Examiner. “Update…Preliminary Death Data Related to Recent Heat Wave.” 7-7-2021.
–12 Clackamas County. OR Med. Examiner. “Update…Heat Wave.” 7-9-2021.[30]
Female 73 Female 74 Male 79 Female 71 Female 79
Male 61 Male 63 Male 69 Male 63 Male 62 Male 66
— 2 Columbia County (confirmed hypothermia) Female 83 Female 61
— 2 Deschutes County Male 64 Male 60
–1 Bend, June 27. Alonzo Jay Boardman, 60, in travel trailer, Hunnell Road.[31]
–1 Bend, June 27. Joseph Wade Davis, 65, in makeshift tent of PVC pipes/tarps.[32]
— 3 Linn County Male 72 Female 59 Male 82 (2 confirmed hypothermia)
–13 Marion County
Male 46 Male 67 Male 64 Male 62 Male 56
Male 74 Male 61 Male 71 Male 62 Male 37
Male 67 Male 66 Female 74
–1 June 26. Farmworker Sebastian Francisco Perez, 38, 104⁰ outside temperature.[33]
–72 Multnomah County[34] (54 being confirmed hypothermia, as of July 9 MEO report)
Male 55 Male 58 Male 44 Female 67 Female 94
Female 97 Male 73 Male 48 Male 59 Male 78
Male 48 Male 76 Female 81 Male 87 Female 79
Female 53 Female 63 Male 83 Male 65 Female 57
Male 54 Male 54 Female 69 Female 89 Male 59
Male 53 Female 68 Male 81 Male 80 Female 90 Male 69 Female 74 Male 51 Female 68 Male 50
Male 68 Male 66 Male 65 Male 73 Male 68
Male 55 Male 59 Male 65 Female 80 Female 55
Female 71 Female 67 Male 77 Male 65 Female 49
Male 62 Female 56 Male 73 Male 47 Male 79
Male 74 Male 64 Male 74 Male 72 Male 78
Male 75 Male 78 Male 62 Male 60 Female 57
Female 64 Male 60 Male 48 Male 67 Male 61
Male 70 1, no info
— 1 Polk County Male 38 (confirmed hypothermia)
— 1 Umatilla County, Male 47 (confirmed hypothermia)
— 1 Union County Male 63 (confirmed hypothermia)
— 9 Washington County (6 confirmed hypothermia)
Male 84 Male 52 Male 69 Male 69 Female 64
Female 82 Male 46 Male 67 Female 83
Pennsylvania 26
–26 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. T67 search for 2021
–23 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. X30 excessive natural heat code.
–13 CDC WONDER search for exposure for excessive natural heat (X30), 3-5-2023.
— 1 Mount Wolf, Aug 24. Boy, 4, in vehicle at boy’s home, over 90⁰ day.[35]
South Carolina 19
–19 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. T67 search for 2021.
–17 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. X30 excessive natural heat code.
–10 CDC WONDER search for exposure for excessive natural heat (X30), 3-5-2023.
— 2 Blythewood, Sep 1. Twin boys, 20 months, left in vehicle over nine hours by a parent.[36]
— 1 Spartanburg, June 30. Boy, 3, in vehicle.[37] Null. Heatstroke Deaths of Children in Vehicles.
Tennessee 18
–18 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. T67 search for 2021.
–15 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. X30 excessive natural heat code
Texas 92
–92 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. T67 search for 2021.
–13 Harris County
–90 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. X30 excessive natural heat code.
–62 CDC WONDER search for exposure for excessive natural heat (X30), 3-5-2023.
–40 Brooks County. Illegal immigrants crossing border into Brooks County from Mexico.[38]
— 1 Harris County, Crescent Park Village. Sep 9. Girl, 1, left in mothers car 10 hrs., 96⁰ day.[39]
— 1 Smith Co., Tyler, July 16. Boy, 3, in vehicle, 86 degree day.[40] Null, Jan. Noheatstroke.org.
Utah 1
–1 American Fork, July 21. Boy, 9, in vehicle, 94 degree day.[41] Null, Jan. Noheatstroke.org.
Virginia 16
–16 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. T67 search for 2021
–16 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. X30 excessive natural heat code.
–13 CDC WONDER search for exposure for excessive natural heat (X30), 3-5-2023.
— 1 Springfield, Aug 10. Boy, 5, in vehicle.[42] Null. Heatstroke Deaths of Children in Vehicles.
Washington 170
–170 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. T67 search for 2021.
–11 Clark County
–31 King County
–31 Pierce County
–16 Snohomish County
–22 Spokane County
–169 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. X30 excessive natural heat code.
–138 Blanchard tally of county-level breakouts. Note: CDC WONDER shows 106.
–132 Washington State Department of Health. Heat Wave 2021. June 26-August 8 (2021).[43]
–106 CDC WONDER. Underlying Cause of Death, 2018-2021, Single Race Results X30 search
–117 Washington State Department of Health. “Heat Wave 2021.” June 26-July 19 (2021).[44]
— 1 Asotin County. WA Dept. of Health. “Heat Wave 2021.” June 26-July 19 (2021).
— 4 Benton County. WA Dept. of Health. “Heat Wave 2021.” June 26-July 19 (2021).
–1 Kennewick, June 29. Female, 73. No air-conditioning.[45]
–1 Kennewick, July 3. Male, 73. No air-conditioning.[46]
–1 Prosser-area, July 1. Male, 69. No air-conditioning.[47]
— 2 Clallam County. WA Dept. of Health. “Heat Wave 2021.” June 26-July 19 (2021).
—>5 Clark County (WA DH reported 3 as of July 19; Clark County ME notes 5-10.)[48]
— 1 Cowlitz County. WA Dept. of Health. “Heat Wave 2021.” June 26-July 19 (2021).
–1 July 4. Alabama St. Homeless encampment; Gregory Lee Majerus, 64.[49]
— 2 Douglas County. WA Dept. of Health. “Heat Wave 2021.” June 26-July 19 (2021).
–1 Waterville. Heat stroke leading to fatal arrhythmia; female, early 40s.[50]
— 1 Ferry County. Washington State Dept. of Health. Heat Wave 2021. 8-8-2021.
— 2 Franklin County. (1 noted in June 26-July 16 WA Dept. of Health report.)[51]
–1 Kahlotus, June 30. Woman, early 70s; likely heat-related death, coroner report.[52]
— 2 Grant County. Probable extreme heat-related deaths according to Grant Co. coroner.[53]
— 2 Grays Harbor. Washington State Dept. of Health. Heat Wave 2021. 8-8-2021.
— 2 Jefferson County. WA Dept. of Health. “Heat Wave 2021.” June 26-July 19 (2021).
–1 Port Townsend, June 28. Hyperthermia; John Caswell, 62, homeless, outdoors.[54]
–1 Locale not noted. Hyperthermia contributing factor; woman, 77, in bad health.[55]
–30 King County. WA Dept. of Health. Heat Wave 2021. June 26-Aug 8 (2021).
–1 Enumclaw. “Exposure to the heat.” Woman, 68; cited is King County MEO.[56]
–1 Seattle, Maple Leaf neighborhood, June 28. In overheated vehicle, Juliana Leon, 65.[57]
–1 Seattle, Seward Park neighborhood, June 25-27. Hypothermia, Dorothy Galliano, 85.[58]
–1 Woodinville, June 29. Heat stroke; Michael Pawloski, 61, homeless, outdoors.[59]
> 4 Kitsap County, Bremerton, June 28 (WA State Dept. of Health reported 2 as of July 19.)[60]
— 5 Okanogan County[61] (4 reported by Wash. State Dept. of Health as of July 19.)
–2 Omak, June 29-July 6. Heat contributing factor; men, 68 and 74; coroner cited.[62]
–1 Oroville. June 29-July 6. Heat contributing factor; man, 77; coroner cited.[63]
–1 Tonasket, June 29-July 6. Heat contributing factor; man, 81.[64]
— 1 Pacific County. WA Dept. of Health. “Heat Wave 2021.” June 26-July 19 (2021).
–24 Pierce County. (Pierce Co., Medical Examiner’s Office.)[65] (DOH Aug 8 rept. Notes 23.)
–1 Fircrest. Kathleen Russell, 78. Pierce Co. MEO, 7-13-2021 posting.
–3 Lakewood.
–1 Darlene Becker, 68. Pierce Co. MEO, 7-13-2021 posting.
–1 Alan L. Brecher, 65. Pierce Co. MEO, 7-19-2021 posting.
–1 Estel Green, 61. Pierce Co. MEO, 7-13-2021 posting.
–8 Puyallup.
–1 Tara Louise Freedom, 47. Pierce Co. MEO, 7-21-2021 posting.
–1 David A. Harvey, 60. Pierce Co. MEO, 7-13-2021 posting.
–1 Jerry Elmer Jonas, 78. Pierce Co. MEO, 7-13-2021 posting.
–1 Dianna Riley, 64. Pierce Co. MEO, 7-13-2021 posting.
–1 Paramjit Singh, 53. Pierce Co. MEO, 7-13-2021 posting.
–1 Jeffrey Fred Whittier, 61. Pierce Co. MEO, 7-19-2021 posting.
–1 Michael Williams, 71. Pierce Co. MEO, 7-13-2021 posting.
–1 Randall Dean Zimmerman, 56. Pierce Co. MEO, 7-13-2021 posting.
–1 Spanaway. Concordia Maguad Parreno, 96. Pierce Co. MEO, 7-13-2021 posting.
–2 Sumner.
–1 Mariah Fern Christensen, 67. Pierce Co. MEO, 7-13-2021 posting.
–1 Bonnie Mavoureen Loftin, 76. Pierce Co. MEO, 7-13-2021 posting.
–8 Tacoma
–1 Terry Duncan, 69. Pierce Co. MEO, 7-13-2021 posting.
–1 Emma Jean Grimm, 72. Pierce Co. MEO, 7-13-2021 posting.
–1 Dennis J. Kieffer, 76. Pierce Co. MEO, 7-13-2021 posting.
–1 Linda Pearl Marcomb, 64 . Pierce Co. MEO, 7-13-2021 posting.
–1 Ron Newark, 73. Pierce Co. MEO, 7-13-2021 posting.
–1 Maryann Parrot, 74. Pierce Co. MEO, 7-13-2021 posting.
–1 Dawn Rencken, 66. Pierce Co. MEO, 7-13-2021 posting.
–1 Michael Anthony Williams, 55. Pierce Co. MEO, 7-13-2021 posting.
–1 No fixed address. Jason Nixon, 47. Pierce Co. MEO, 7-19-2021 posting.
— 8 Skagit County. WA Dept. of Health. “Heat Wave 2021.” June 26-July 19 (2021).
–1 Anacortes. KGMI. “Six Deaths in Skagit County Attributed to Heat Wave.” 7-9-2021.
–1 Hamilton. KGMI. “Six Deaths in Skagit County Attributed to Heat Wave.” 7-9-2021.
–3 Mount Vernon. KGMI. “Six Deaths in Skagit County Attributed to Heat Wave.” 7-9-2021.
–1 Sedro-Woolley. KGMI. “Six Deaths in Skagit County Attributed to Heat…” 7-9-2021.
–12 Snohomish County. WA Dept. of Health. Heat Wave 2021. June 26-Aug 8 (2021).
–1 Everett,[66] Heat stroke at home; male, 51 (Snohomish Co. MEO).[67]
–1 Granite Falls.[68] Heat stroke at home; male, 75. (Snohomish Co. MEO.[69]
–1 Marysville.[70] Heat stroke at home; male, 77 (Snohomish Co. MEO).[71]
–1 Locale not noted. Environmental hyperthermia; male, 49. County MEO, July 22.[72]
–1 Locale not noted. Environmental hyperthermia; male, 63. County MEO, July 22.[73]
–1 Locale not noted. Environmental hyperthermia; male, 67. County MEO, July 22.[74]
–1 Locale not noted. Environmental hyperthermia; female, 75. County MEO, July 22.[75]
–1 Locale not noted. Environmental hyperthermia; female, 84. County MEO, July 22.[76]
–20 Spokane County[77] (June 26-Aug 8 WA Dept. of Health report notes 14.)
— 1 Mead, July 6. Probable environmental heat exposure. Female, 59.[78]
–10 Spokane.
–1 June 29. Environmental heat exposure; Rosanna M. McIntyre, 70.[79]
–1 June 30. Hyperthermia; Nadine Hager, 45. Spokane MEO, 7-6-2021.
–1 July 1. Environmental heat exposure; Edwin Kedish, 65.[80]
–1 July 1. Environmental heat exposure; Deana Farwell, 64.[81]
–1 July 1. Environmental heat exposure; Beverly Martin, 84.[82]
–1 July 1. Environmental heat exposure; David M. Rodgers, 67.[83]
–1 July 2. Environmental heat exposure; Ronda Truppe, 65.[84]
–1 July 6. Environmental heat exposure with dehydration; man, 79.[85]
–1 July 7. Probable environmental heat exposure, Alan Rosane, 81.[86]
–1 July 7. Environmental heat exposure; Morris L. Nelson, 79.[87]
— 2 Spokane Valley
–1 July 1. Environmental heat exposure; David Bevleming, 81.[88]
–1 July 7. Environmental heat exposure; Charles D. Hardin, 71.[89]
— 6 Thurston Co. KOMO News, Seattle. “At least 29 deaths…linked…heatwave.” 7-1-2021.
–1 Male, 39, in apartment with air conditioning.[90]
–1 Male, 52, in trailer with no AC (according to Thurston county officials).[91]
–1 Male, 63, in trailer with no AC (according to Thurston county officials).[92]
–1 Male, 63, found outside. KOMO News, Seattle. “At least 29 deaths…” 7-1-2021.
— 1 Walla Walla County. WA Dept. of Health. “Heat Wave 2021.” June 26-July 19 (2021).
— 3 Whatcom County. WA Dept. of Health. “Heat Wave 2021.” June 26-July 19 (2021).[93]
— 9 Yakima County. Excessive heat contributing factor (Yakima Co. Coroner report).[94]
— 8 Yakima County. WA Dept. of Health. Heat Wave 2021. 8-8-2021.
— 1 Debra Moore, 68, found June 28 on “blistering sidewalk,” community at base of Mt. Rainier.[95]
Wisconsin 15
–15 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. T67 search for 2021.
–14 CDC WONDER. Multiple Cause of Death, 2018-2021. X30 excessive natural heat code.
–10 CDC WONDER search for exposure for excessive natural heat (X30), 3-5-2023.
Narrative Information
(General)
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) on Heat-Related Deaths (11-21-2023):
“When people are exposed to extreme heat, they can suffer from potentially deadly illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Hot temperatures can also contribute to deaths from heart attacks, strokes, and other forms of cardiovascular disease. Heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States, even though most heat-related deaths are preventable through outreach and intervention (see EPA’s Excessive Heat Events Guidebook at: www.epa.gov/heat-islands/excessive-heat-events-guidebook).
Unusually hot summer temperatures have become more common across the contiguous 48 states in recent decades…extreme heat events (heat waves) have become more frequent and intense… and these trends are expected to continue. As a result, the risk of heat-related deaths and illness is also expected to increase.[96] The “urban heat island” effect accentuates the problem by causing even higher temperatures in densely developed urban areas. Reductions in cold-related deaths are projected to be smaller than increases in heat-related deaths in most regions. Death rates can also change, however, as people acclimate to higher temperatures and as communities strengthen their heat response plans and take other steps to continue to adapt.
“Certain population groups already face higher risks of heat-related death, and increases in summertime temperature variability will increase that risk. The population of adults aged 65 and older, which is expected to continue to grow, has a higher-than-average risk of heat-related death. Children are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness and death, as their bodies are less able to adapt to heat than adults, and they must rely on others to help keep them safe. People with certain diseases, such as cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, are especially vulnerable to excessive heat exposure, as are the economically disadvantaged. Data also suggest a higher risk among non-Hispanic Blacks.”
Trent, CA Dept. of Health Services on Heat-Related (HR) Illness: “HR illness is described according to three stages of increasing severity:
- Heat cramps. Mild and easy to treat, this level involves fevers generally under 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Heat exhaustion: Involves fevers over 102 degrees Fahrenheit, often with vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue.
- Heat stroke: A severe and life-threatening failure of body’s ability to cool (e.g., sweating ceases), with fevers over 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat stroke can result in organ and neurologic damage and lead quickly to death.” (p. 3)
“Exertional heat stroke tends to occur among younger (under 50 years old), healthier persons who develop heat stroke after strenuous activity and inadequate hydration. The result is dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Exposures may involve work or recreational activities outdoors.
“Classic heat stroke tends to occur among persons who are older (over 50 years old), frail, and with chronic diseases. They may take medications, have psychological or cognitive problems, and live alone. They are assumed to have a compromised thermoregulatory response due to their age, illnesses, and medications. They generally are not in an air conditioned space when discovered with heat stroke symptoms or deceased.” (p. 5)
(Trent, Roger B., Ph.D. (CA Dept. of Health Services). Review of July 2006 Heat Wave Related Fatalities in California. Sacramento, CA: Epidemiology and Prevention for Injury Control Branch, California Department of Health Services, May 2007.)
Newspapers (chronological)
June 30, CNN: “Hundreds of people have visited emergency departments or urgent-care clinics in the Pacific Northwest since Friday [June 24] – and as many as 230 deaths have been reported – as an excruciating heat wave smashed all-time temperature records in Oregon, Washington and Canada.
“Portland set record-high temperatures three days in a row, topping out at 116 degrees on Monday. Seattle hit 108 degrees, a new record. At least two locations in Washington reached 118 degrees, which, if confirmed, would tie the state temperature record that dates back to 1928.
“A town in southwest Canada registered a temperature of 117.5 degrees – the highest ever recorded in the country, and around 48 degrees above what’s normal for this time of year. Scientists have told CNN the heat wave is a clear sign of the climate crisis, and similar extreme heat events will happen more frequently in the future.
“In Washington, at least 676 people visited emergency departments for heat-related symptoms from Friday through Sunday alone – before peak heat descended upon the state. Cory Portner, a spokesperson for the Washington State Department of Health, said 81 of those cases led to inpatient admissions.
“King County, which includes Seattle, had 40 emergency department visits for heat-related illness on Saturday and 91 on Sunday, according to Gabriel Spitzer, communications specialist for Public Health Seattle & King County. “Over the last three years, previous maximum single-day count of [emergency department] admissions for heat-related illness was 9,” Spitzer told CNN in an email.
“The Oregon Health Authority reported a total of 506 heat-related visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers over the past four days. At least 251 visits occurred on Monday alone, when temperatures were highest.
“In the Portland area, the 97 emergency department and urgent care clinic visits for heat illness is nearly the same number of cases they would see all summer, according to Multnomah County communications director Julie Sullivan-Springhetti….
“Experts told CNN that part of what made this heat wave so dangerous was that the Pacific Northwest is underprepared for such extremes. Seattle and Portland rank first and third, respectively, among cities with the highest proportion of households without air conditioning, according to a US Census Bureau survey of 25 major metropolitan areas….” (CNN. “Historic Northwest heat wave linked to dozens of deaths and hundreds of emergency room visits.” 6-30-2021.)
July 2, NYT: “….Hundreds of heat-related deaths have been confirmed in ordinarily cool Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. The casualties — in overheated cars, stifling apartments, older homes, workplaces, homeless encampments — reflect the particular dangers of extreme heat and the potential for devastation as climate change dramatically amplifies normal temperature fluctuations.
“In Washington and Oregon alone, authorities have attributed at least 90 deaths to the sustained spike in temperatures. The chief coroner of British Columbia said at least 486 sudden deaths were reported in the province from Friday to Wednesday afternoon, a five-day period in which 165 such deaths are typically reported.” (New York Times. “Heat-Related Death Toll Climbs to Nearly 100 in Washington State and Oregon,” 7-1-2021.)
July 4, AP: “Portland, Ore. (AP) – A Pacific Northwest heat wave has killed at least 95 people in Oregon alone, a number that state’s governor called ‘absolutely unacceptable.’….
“Records included 116 degrees Fahrenheit (47 degrees Celsius) in Portland and 108 F (42 C) in Seattle. The hot weather was headed east, with temperatures well above 100 F (38 C) forecast Sunday [10th] for parts of Idaho and eastern Montana….” (Associated Press. “Governor: Heat Death Toll at Least 95 in Oregon Alone.” 7-4-2021.)
July 6, AP: “Salem, Ore. (AP) – Oregon’s death toll from a record-smashing heat wave last weekend topped 100 on Tuesday [6th] as more reports came in to the state medical examiner. Of the 107 deaths recorded so far, the youngest victim was 37 and the oldest was 97. In Multnomah County, where most of the deaths occurred, officials said many victims had no air conditioners or fans, and died alone….” (Associated Press. “Oregon Heat Death Toll Tops 100.” 7-6-2021.)
July 6, Forbes: “….In Washington, officials said late last week about 30 deaths had been connected to the heat, and most of those came in and around Seattle.
“British Columbia looks to have suffered by far the greatest loss of life, with the Canadian province’s chief coroner saying last week there were 486 “sudden and unexpected deaths” during a five-day period. It’s too early to say whether all those deaths were because of the heat, but the coroner said it’s substantially above the 165 people that would be expected to die in a five-day period.
“The village of Lytton in British Columbia set Canada’s all-time record high when the temperature rose to 116 on June 27. It broke that record just a day later when it hit 118 on June 28, then broke it again on June 29 when the mercury rose to an astounding 121 degrees. The next day, June 30, essentially the entire village was destroyed in a wildfire, which was fueled by the hot and dry conditions.
“The Pacific Northwest is one of the coolest regions of the U.S. during the summer months—the high on a typical June day in Seattle won’t even reach 70 degrees. But a high-pressure system known as a heat dome parked itself over the area last week, bringing unrelenting heat that lasted several days, often leading to all-time records that would fall after just 24 hours. Portland set an all-time record high three days in a row, topping out at 116 on Tuesday—a mark that would have also set an all-time record in many cities that traditionally deal with hot temperatures, like Dallas, Atlanta and Miami. Seattle reached its peak heat on Monday at 108 degrees.
“A major heat wave also hit the U.S. East Coast last week. Central Park in New York City reached its hottest temperature since 2013, while Newark, New Jersey, set an all-time high for the month of June by reaching 103 degrees. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) urged residents to significantly limit energy usage, saying the weather was causing such strain on the city’s electricity system that he called it a “heat emergency.” (Forbes (Nicholas Reimann) “Hundreds Likely Dead After Historic Heat Wave Hits Pacific Northwest…” 7-6-2021.)
July 6, The Oregonian: “The state’s death toll from last week’s historic heat wave has climbed to 107 people and reached into nine counties now with Linn County reporting that two people had died. Tuesday [July 6] was the first time the Oregon Medical Examiner’s Office has updated the toll since the long Independence Day weekend, when it said 94 people had died of heat-related causes as temperatures shattered records June 26-28.
“Multnomah County, the most populous county in Oregon, reported the highest casualties with 67 deaths from the searing heat. Portland recorded a high of 116 on Monday, June 28. Marion County recorded 13 deaths, Clackamas County had 11, Washington County had nine, Deschutes and Linn counties each had two and Columbia, Polk and Umatilla each saw one.
“In Multnomah County, officials have said that many of those who died had underlying health conditions and were found alone, without air-conditioning or a fan. Most died at home. The number of those who died who were experiencing homelessness has not been confirmed….” (The Oregonian. “Death toll from historic heat waves rises to 107.” 7-6-2021.)
July 7, AP: “Portland, Ore. (AP) – Oregon’s death toll from last weekend’s record-smashing Pacific Northwest heat wave has risen to 116. The state medical examiner Wednesday [July 7] released an updated list of fatalities from the heat wave that added nine additional deaths. Of the 116 deaths recorded, the youngest victim was 37 and the oldest was 97. In Portland’s Multnomah County, where most of the deaths occurred, officials said many victims had no air conditioners or fans and died alone….
“Temperatures shattered previous all-time records during the three-day heat wave that engulfed Oregon, Washington and British Columbia, Canada. Authorities say hundreds of deaths may ultimately be attributed to the heat throughout the region.
“Seattle, Portland and many other cities broke all-time heat records, with temperatures in some places reaching above 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 Celsius).” (Associated Press. “Death toll from record-breaking heat wave hits 116 in Oregon.” 7-7-2021.)
July 8, The Guardian: “The death toll from the record-breaking heatwave that struck the US Pacific north-west last week has risen to nearly 200, with health authorities reporting 116 deaths in Oregon and 78 in Washington state. The data in Washington state are particularly striking given historical context. There were seven heat-related deaths in Washington between mid-June and the end of August in 2020. Between 2015 and 2020, the state saw just 39 deaths in the late spring and summer months….
“ ‘The Pacific north-west got caught in a region where a series of feedbacks set up these very warm temperatures – no, hot temperatures – with very little cloud cover and very warm temperatures at night too,’ Richard Bann, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center, previously told the Guardian….” (The Guardian, US News, NY (Victoria Bekiempis). “Record-breaking US Pacific north-west heatwave killed almost 200 people.” 7-8-2021.)
July 11, WSJ: “A new heat wave persisted over the Western U.S. this weekend, bringing record high temperatures across multiple states. The spell, which the National Weather Service expects to continue until early in the week, follows a recent system that shattered heat records throughout the Pacific Northwest and the hottest June on record for the U.S.
“Temperatures in Death Valley, Calif., reached 130 degrees Friday. If validated, that would match the highest temperature recorded on earth since 1913—also at Death Valley in August of last year. The temperature was expected to hit that number again Sunday before easing into the low 120s by midweek. On Sunday about 1 p.m. Pacific time, the National Weather Service reported a temperature of 123 at Furnace Creek in Death Valley.
“Excessive heat warnings were issued broadly throughout California and Nevada and some portions of Utah and Arizona. The heat is expected to shift west and strengthen into the end of the weekend, said Chelsea Peters, a meteorologist with the weather service.
“The temperature at Yosemite National Park in Northern California reached 104 degrees Sunday afternoon, with a forecast high of 111 degrees expected later in the afternoon.
“Las Vegas tied an all-time record at 117 degrees Saturday, according to the weather service. Temperatures reached a record 120 degrees in Palm Springs, Calif. In Sacramento, the mercury topped 113 degrees, the second-hottest temperature on record. Sunday afternoon temperatures across the region were slightly lower, though forecasts called for more heat later in the day.
“Phoenix had a low of 93 degrees Friday night, making it the warmest low for July 9 and one of the warmest lows for any date. Moisture and cloud coverage commonly keeps blazing temperatures “locked in,” not allowing for dry air to filter in and cool off the air, Ms. Peters said. Maricopa County, where Phoenix sits, has 11 confirmed heat-associated deaths so far this year and is investigating more than 100 possible more. The county had more than 300 heat-related deaths in 2020. More than 200 cooling centers, hydration stations and heat relief stations are available to the public this year.
“The heat wave hit California amid severe drought. Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday called on residents to cut water usage by 15 percent.
“Noah Diffenbaugh, a professor and climate scientist at Stanford University, said climate change had increased the chances of unprecedented hot events in more than 80% of the world. ‘These heat waves that we’re experiencing this summer are exactly in line with what we would expect from previous research, and in some cases we’re seeing events that are highlighting the acceleration of those changes in extremes.’
“Mountainous areas in the West haven’t escaped the high heat. On the West side of the Sierra Nevada in California, temperatures are expected to peak at up to 98 degrees in higher elevations and 108 in lower elevations on Sunday, where summer temperatures typically remain in the 70s to 80s. “Strong high pressure will persist over the Sierra at least into early next week,” the weather service said Saturday. Sunday afternoon, the National Weather Service reported a relatively temperate 99 degrees on the western slope of the mountains.
“A spokeswoman for the South Nevada Health District recommended the public make use of the more than a dozen cooling stations in Clark County that were set up ahead of the heat wave Wednesday and will be available until Monday.
“ ‘Heat will gradually moderate next week as high pressure weakens and deeper monsoonal moisture moves into eastern areas,’ said the weather service in Las Vegas.” (Wall Street Journal (Aydali Campa). “New Heat Wave Blisters the West.” 7-11-2021.)
July 12, Democracy Now: “The fires came as record heat returned to part of the western United States over the weekend, fueled by the climate crisis. Las Vegas tied an all-time record high of 117 degrees Fahrenheit; Palm Springs, California, hit a record 120 degrees; and the overnight low in Phoenix on Friday was 93 degrees. Maricopa County officials have logged over 100 suspected heat-related deaths so far this year. Death Valley hit 130 degrees on Sunday for just the fifth time ever — tied for the highest temperature ever reliably recorded on Earth. And in the Arctic Circle, the town of Banak in northern Norway reached 94 degrees Fahrenheit last week — hotter than the highest temperature recorded in Miami, Florida, this year.” (DemocracyNow.org. “Records Fall in Las Vegas and Palm Springs as Western U.S. Suffers Latest Heat Wave.” 7-12-2021.)
July 13, AP: “Portland, Ore. (AP) – Most people who perished in last month’s record-smashing heat wave in Oregon’s most populous county [Multnomah] were white, male, older and socially isolated, according to a preliminary report released Tuesday in Portland. Initial tallies show that heat was likely the cause of death for 71 residents of Multnomah County, home to Oregon’s largest city. The heat has been officially confirmed as the cause of death in 54 of those people. Some residents’ bodies were not found for up to a week after the worst of the heat had passed, a fact that authorities said supports the role of social isolation in the deaths. The average age was 70. ‘Many of them were our elders, those who need our care the most, and many were all alone,’ County Chair Deborah Kafoury said.
“Three consecutive days of extraordinary temperatures in the Pacific Northwest, which usually experiences mild summers, shattered all-time records and sent public health officials scrambling between June 25 and June 28. Temperatures in Portland reached triple digits for three days, peaking at 116 degrees Fahrenheit (47 Celsius) as records fell across Oregon, Washington and British Columbia, Canada.
“Oregon blamed 116 deaths on the heat, Washington state reported at least 91 and officials in British Columbia say hundreds of “sudden and unexpected deaths” are likely due to the soaring temperatures. More people died from the heat in the greater Portland area this June than in the entire state over the past 20 years, authorities said Tuesday….
“State emergency management officials acknowledged Monday that 750 people who called an information line over the blistering hot weekend were unable to get through because of a shortage of operators. They struggled to get rides to cooling centers and others endured such long wait times to request a ride that they instead called 911….
“More than three-quarters of those who died [Portland area] lived alone, 55% lived in apartments or other multi-unit housing and, of those, nearly half lived on the third floor or above. Almost a quarter had no source of cooling — not even a fan — while seven victims had air conditioning but it was broken or had not been turned on. Over 90% were white and 63% were male. Two people were found dead in their vehicles and one person who perished had an air conditioning unit that could not keep up with the scorching temperatures. Most of the deaths were reported to authorities on or after June 29, when the worst of the heat had passed, authorities said….
“In advance of the heat, authorities opened three cooling centers and nine libraries for those without air conditioning. County employees also called and sent text messages to thousands of vulnerable residents enrolled in various assistance programs and instructed property managers and developers of low-income housing to check on their residents twice a day during the peak heat. Dozens of teams also roamed the city handing out water, wet towels, misting devices and electrolytes and checking on the homeless population.
“A total of three people died in two different apartment complexes dedicated to housing vulnerable people, many of them transitioning from homelessness or recovering from drug addiction. Two more died in an assisted living facility; those deaths are being referred to the state for further investigation.
“ ‘County employees worked through the night, every night,’ Kafoury said. ‘And that’s why when death reports started to come in we were devastated and we still are devastated.’ ” (AP. “Oregon Heat Wave Victims Older, Lived Alone, Had no AC.” U.S. News & World Report. 7-13-2021.)
July 13, Yale Climate Connections: “….Eight states had their hottest June on record: Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, and Utah in the West, and Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont in New England. Together, these states represent about 19% of the entire U.S. population. The states of Washington and Oregon – which along with southwest Canada experienced one of North America’s deadliest heat waves in years, and perhaps the most extreme heat wave in world history in terms of departure from average – came in with their second hottest June on record, along with Connecticut, Maine, and Montana.
July 19, New York Times: “A summer of unrelenting heat in the western United States and Canada hit the Northern Rockies this weekend, where temperatures reached the upper 90s and lower 100s with a heat wave that is expected to peak on Monday [July 19] but ease only slightly through the week. It was the fourth major heat wave to afflict parts of the West since early June, bringing dangerously hot temperatures and helping fuel the deepening drought and exploding wildfires across the region.
“An excessive heat warning will remain in effect for parts of Montana through Tuesday night, according to the National Weather Service. Billings, in the south of the state, is forecast to reach 106 on Monday while Glasgow, a town toward the north, may reach 107. Livingston, Big Timber and Sheridan could all hit 100 on Monday. Temperatures will fall just a few degrees as the week progresses, delivering minimal relief from the sweltering heat.
“Salt Lake City hit 104 degrees on Sunday [July 18], tying the daily record set in 1960, meteorologists said; it was the 17th time this year that the city hit 100 degrees or higher. Monsoonal rain was expected through the region and forecast to continue spreading northward across all of Utah and southwest Wyoming on Monday, bringing relief to some areas. Several areas around Boise, Idaho, hit the 100-degree mark on Sunday….” (New York Times. “Extreme heat bakes the Northern Rockies as wildfires rage in the West.” 7-19-2021.)
July 20, Seattle Patch.com: “Olympia, WA – At least 112 Washingtonians were killed by the record-breaking June 2021 heat wave. The Washington State Department of Health’s update Monday saw the death toll jump 21, making the heat wave now the state’s deadliest weather event in history. Previously, the state’s deadliest weather event was in 1910, when 96 were killed in an avalanche at Stevens Pass, KUOW reported.
“To put the 112 deaths in perspective: Between 2015 and 2019, 36 Washingtonians died of heat stress, according to DOH records.
“Washington’s death toll is now close to Oregon’s, where at least 116 people died due to the record-breaking heat. Including British Columbia and Alberta, Canada, more than 800 people across the Pacific Northwest are now believed to have been killed by the heat wave….
“In Washington, the bulk of the deaths were in the state’s most populous counties, King, Pierce and Snohomish, though 20 of Washington’s 39 counties reported at least one death caused by the triple-digit heat. The death toll is likely to continue to rise as more deaths are reported and as data is shared between government agencies. For example, DOH data shows 21 heat-related deaths in Pierce County, but the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office independently confirmed 23 heat stress deaths. The DOH says that’s to be expected, as their totals often lag behind local health departments – and it may be another month until the full death toll is known.
“Washington’s hospitals also logged more than 2,000 heat-related emergency room visits between June 25 and July 1, and the true number that may be even higher considering five percent of hospitals do not give data to the DOH, and the count does not include residents who sought care out of state, or at the VA or military hospitals.” (Patch.com, Seattle, WA. “June Heat Wave Now Washington’s Deadliest Weather Event.” 7-20-2021.)
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Cronkite News/Alyssa Marksz, Arizona PBS. “Migrant deaths in the desert at record levels as heat wave pounds West.” 7-13-2021. Accessed 7-25-2021 at: https://cronkitenews.azpbs.org/2021/07/13/migrant-deaths-in-the-desert-at-record-levels-as-heat-wave-pounds-west/
Davis, Maggie. “Heat-Related Deaths up 56% Between 2018 and 2021, Provisional Data Shows.” ValuePenguin Health Insurance (a free source for information and tools to help make consumer spending decisions). 6-6-2022. Accessed 2-5-2024 at: https://www.valuepenguin.com/heat-related-deaths-study
DemocracyNow.org. “Records Fall in Las Vegas and Palm Springs as Western U.S. Suffers Latest Heat Wave.” 7-12-2021. Accessed 7-12-2021 at: https://www.democracynow.org/2021/7/12/headlines/records_fall_in_las_vegas_and_palm_springs_as_western_us_suffers_latest_heat_wave
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). Climate Change Indicators: Heat-Related Deaths (webpage). 11-1-2023. Accessed 2-7-2024 at: https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/climate-change-indicators-heat-related-deaths#ref6
Fayetteville Observer, NC. “Fayetteville father charged with manslaughter in child’s hot car death.” 9-15-2021. Accessed 1-4-2022 at: https://www.fayobserver.com/story/news/2021/09/15/aricopaoke-father-charged-hot-car-death-his-child-sept-5/8347568002/
Forbes (Nicholas Reimann) “Hundreds Likely Dead After Historic Heat Wave Hits Pacific Northwest…” 7-6-2021. Accessed 7-6-2021 at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholasreimann/2021/07/06/hundreds-likely-dead-after-historic-heatwave-hits-pacific-northwest-and-canada/?sh=66dd3e3e435a
Fox 10 Phoenix. “Heat deaths in Maricopa County double in 2021 compared to same time last year.” 9-5-2021. Accessed 1-4-2022 at: https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/heat-deaths-in-maricopa-county-double-in-2021-compared-to-same-time-last-year
Fox 13 (Jeff Tavss), Salt Lake City. “Boy found dead in American Fork after being left in hot car.” 7-22-2021. Accessed 8-12-2021 at: https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/boy-found-dead-in-american-fork-after-being-left-in-hot-car
Gila Herald, AZ. “More migrant deaths occur in Arizona’s desert in June.” 6-28-2021. Accessed 7-25-2021 at: https://gilaherald.com/more-migrant-deaths-occur-in-arizonas-desert-in-june/
Henderson, Tim. “Some states act to protect residents from extreme heat – with a new focus on young people.” Alabama Reflector, 11-7-2023. Accessed 2-8-2024 at: https://alabamareflector.com/2023/11/27/some-states-act-to-protect-residents-from-extreme-heat-with-a-new-focus-on-young-people/
Huang, Pien, Alyson Hurt and Carmel Wroth. “This CDC data shows where rates of heat-related illness are highest.” 7-26-2023. Accessed 2-5-2024 at: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/07/26/1190085775/this-cdc-data-shows-where-rates-of-heat-related-illness-are-highest
Idaho Press. “Treasure Valley has first death caused by heat wave.” 7-7-2021. Accessed 1-4-2022 at: https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/treasure-valley-has-first-death-caused-by-heat-wave/article_256bcecf-64ef-5056-a09a-2e415b230b9f.html
Idaho Statesman, Boise. “Here’s what we know about heat-related deaths in Idaho.” 8-2-2021. Accessed 1-4-2022 at: https://www.google.com/search?q=%22idaho%22+%22heat%22+death+fatality+2021&client=firefox-b-1-d&channel=cus5&ei=z_7UybriD9KyggfL7IGIDg&ved=0ahUKEwj6hdjoxJn1AhVSmeAKHUt2AOEQ4dUDCA0&uact=5&oq=%22idaho%22+%22heat%22+death+fatality+2021&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAM6BwgAEEcQsANKBAhBGABKBAhGGABQyAtYhzBghzZoAXACeACAAeUBiAGjCZIBBTkuMS4xmAEAoAEByAEIwAEB&sclient=gws-wiz
KGMI News (A. Smith), Bellingham, WA. “Six Deaths in Skagit County Attributed to Heat Wave.” 7-9-2021. Accessed 7-24-2021 at: https://kgmi.com/news/007700-six-deaths-in-skagit-county-attributed-to-heat-wave/
KING 5. “91 people have died in Washington from recent heat wave, health department says.” KREM1, 7-8-2021. Accessed 7-17-2021 at: https://www.krem.com/article/news/local/health-department-78-people-died-washington-heat-wave/281-b7e3ec97-2158-4172-99f8-f65df7208832
KIRO 7 (Michelle Ewing), Seattle. “3-year-old boy found dead in hot car in Texas, police say.” 7-21-2021. Accessed 8-12-2021 at: https://www.kiro7.com/news/trending/3-year-old-boy-found-dead-hot-car-texas-police-say/NJW2AXVMEZH6RMJITZ2IZFYQ4Y/
Kitsap Sun, WA. “‘Never seen anything like this:’ Heat contributes to at least 4 deaths in Bremerton.” 6-29-2021. Accessed 7-24-2021 at: https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2021/06/29/heat-contributes-least-4-deaths-bremerton/7801498002/
KOIN 6, Portland. “Multnomah County. MultCo releases report on heat deaths.” 7-13-2021. Accessed 7-13-2021 at: https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/multco-officials-release-report-on-heat-deaths-07132021/
KOIN 6, Portland (Lisa Balick and Jenny Young). “Oregon heat deaths now 116; new worker rules coming.” 7-7-2021. Accessed 7-13-2021 at: https://www.koin.com/news/arico/oregons-heat-wave-related-death-toll-climbs-to-116/
KOMO News, Seattle. “At least 29 deaths in western Washington linked to historic heatwave.” 7-1-2021. Accessed 7-12-2021 at: https://komonews.com/news/local/at-least-29-deaths-in-western-washington-linked-to-historic-heatwave
KSN.com (Ryan Newton and Hunter Funk), Wichita. “Sheriff: Kansas toddler who died from heat was found in car.” 8-11-2021, revised 8-12-2021. Accessed 1-4-2022 at: https://www.ksn.com/news/local/2-year-old-dies-from-the-heat-in-cowley-county/
KTAL/KMSS. “Infant found dead inside vehicle at Shreveport mobile home park.” In Null. Accessed 1-4-2022 at: https://www.noheatstroke.org/23_2021.html
Live5WCSC News, Charleston, SC. “Coroner identifies infant twins found dead in vehicle outside SC daycare.” 9-1-2021, updated 9-2-2021. Accessed 1-4-2022 at: https://www.live5news.com/2021/09/01/two-infants-found-dead-inside-vehicle-sc-deputies-investigating/
Louisiana Department of Health, Emergency Preparedness. “LDH: Hurricane Ida storm-related death toll rises to 10.” 9-3-2021. Accessed 9-5-2021 at: https://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/6302
Louisiana Department of Health, Emergency Preparedness. “LDH: Hurricane Ida storm-related death toll rises to 26.” 9-8-2021. Accessed 9-8-2021 at: https://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/6308
Louisiana Department of Health. 9-5-2021 Twitter note. Accessed 9-5-2021 at: https://twitter.com/LADeptHealth/status/1434571569297244161?
Maricopa County Public Health. “Heat Associated Deaths & Hospital Visits 2021 Weekly Report, Week 35 (08/22-08/28).” Accessed 1-4-2022 at: https://www.maricopa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/5297
Maryland Department of Health. “Weekly Heat-related Illness Surveillance Report.” 8-18-2021. Accessed 1-4-2022 at: https://health.maryland.gov/preparedness/Documents/Weekly%20Heat%20Report_08.18.2021.pdf
Methow Valley News (Marcy Stamper), WA. “Heat contributes to 4 deaths in Okanogan County.” 7-7-2021. Accessed 8-12-2021 at: https://methowvalleynews.com/2021/07/07/heat-contributes-to-4-deaths-in-okanogan-county/
Miami Herald/David Ovalle. “A woman was supposed to drive a toddler to daycare. The child died inside the hot van, cops say.” 7-17-2021. Accessed 7-17-2021 at: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/crime/article252851958.html
New York Times. “Extreme heat bakes the Northern Rockies as wildfires rage in the West.” 7-19-2021. Accessed 7-19-2021 at: https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/07/19/us/climate-heat-wave
New York Times (Livia Albeck-Ripka). “Family’s Disappearance Reflects Toll of California’s Deadly Heat.” 11-11-2021. Accessed 1-4-2022 at: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/11/us/california-deadly-heat.html
New York Times. “Heat-Related Death Toll Climbs to Nearly 100 in Washington State and Oregon,” 7-1-2021. Accessed 7-2-2021 at: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/01/us/heat-wave-deaths-oregon-canada-washington.html
News3lv.com. “California man dies while hiking at Death Valley.” 8-21-2021. Accessed 1-4-2022 at: https://news3lv.com/news/local/california-resident-dies-while-hiking-at-death-valley
News3lv.com. “Hiker dies while hiking in Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley.” 11-9-2021. Accessed 1-4-2022 at: https://news3lv.com/news/local/hiker-dies-while-hiking-in-mesquite-flat-sand-dunes-in-death-valley
Null, Jan. Heatstroke Deaths of Children in Vehicles. “2021 Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke Deaths.” Accessed 7-7-2021 at: https://noheatstroke.org
Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. Search for fatalities related to heat. Accessed 1-4-2022 at: https://www.osha.gov/pls/imis/AccidentSearch.search?p_logger=1&acc_description=&acc_Abstract=&acc_keyword=heat&sic=&naics=&Office=All&officetype=All&endmonth=01&endday=01&endyear=2021&startmonth=12&startday=31&startyear=2021&InspNr=
Orlando Sentinel, FL. “Woman, baby daughter found dead in car at Oak Ridge parking lot.” 9-10-2021. Accessed 1-4-2022 at: https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/crime/os-ne-lake-ellenore-drive-two-bodies-found-20210910-7xyzq4t7zvfi5k27flptt7z42a-story.html
Oregon State Medical Examiner. “Update – Oregon State Medical Examiner Releases Preliminary Death Data Related to Recent Heat Wave.” 7-7-2021. Accessed 7-8-2021 at: http://www.flashalert.net/news.html?id=1002
Oregon State Medical Examiner. “Update – Oregon State Medical Examiner Releases Preliminary Death Data Related to Recent Heat Wave.” 7-9-2021. Accessed 7-30-2021 at: http://www.flashalert.net/news.html?id=1002
Patch.com, Seattle, WA. “June Heat Wave Now Washington’s Deadliest Weather Event.” 7-20-2021. Accessed 7-20-2021 at: https://patch.com/washington/seattle/june-heat-wave-now-washingtons-deadliest-weather-event
Peninsula Daily News, WA (Leah Leach and Zach Jablonski). “Peninsula heat deaths investigated.” 7-11-2021. Accessed 7-11-2021 at: https://www.peninsuladailynews.com/news/peninsula-heat-deaths-investigated/
Pensacola News Journal/Colin Warren-Hicks “Nine-month-old baby dies after being left in hot car for several hours in Pace, SRSO says.” 6-14-1021. Accessed 7-17-2021 at: https://www.pnj.com/story/news/2021/06/14/florida-nine-month-old-hot-car-death-under-investigation-says-srso/7690184002/
People.com (Greg Hanlon). “‘Sweet Little Boy,’ 3, Dies After Being Left in Hot Car in Apparent ‘Tragic Accident’.” 8-27-2021. Accessed 1-4-2022 at: https://people.com/crime/alabama-boy-dies-hot-car-apparent-tragic-accident/
Pierce County Medical Examiner, WA. “June 2021 Heat Wave: Heat-Related Deaths in Pierce County.” 7-13-2021. Accessed 7-24-2021 at: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=5241
Pierce County Medical Examiner, WA. “June 2021 Heat Wave: Heat-Related Deaths in Pierce County.” 7-21-2021. Accessed 7-24-2021 at: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=5252
Seattle Times (Evan Bush). “2 dead from heat exposure during Monday’s record temperatures in King County.” 6-30-2021. Accessed 7-24-2021 at: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/2-dead-from-heat-exposure-during-record-temperatures-monday-in-king-county/
Seattle Times. “‘He probably figured he’d tough it out’: Homeless man died in heat wave, minutes from cooling center.” 7-12-2021. Accessed 7-14-2021 at: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/homeless/he-probably-figured-hed-tough-it-out-homeless-man-died-in-heat-wave-minutes-from-cooling-center/
Seattle Times. “Heat-wave deaths rise across Pacific Northwest, including 11 more in King County.” 6-30-2021, updated 7-6-2021. Accessed 7-24-2021 at: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/heat-wave-deaths-rise-across-pacific-northwest-including-11-more-in-king-county/
Seattle Times, WA. “Hiker from Washington state found dead in Death Valley National Park during triple-digit heat.” 7-30-2021. Accessed 7-30-2021 at: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/hiker-from-washington-state-found-dead-in-death-valley-national-park-during-triple-digit-heat/
Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office. “Media Release.” 7-22-2021. Accessed 7-24-2021 at: https://snohomishcountywa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/6699
Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office. Media Release Information. 7-16-2021. Accessed 7-17-2021 at: https://www.spokanecounty.org/3954/Media-Release-Information
Star Tribune (Jana Hollingsworth), Minneapolis/St. Paul. “Hibbing boy, 3, locked in hot car has died.” 8-11-2021. Accessed 8-12-2021 at: https://www.startribune.com/hibbing-boy-3-locked-in-hot-car-has-died/600086945/
The Advocate (Lea Skene). “Baton Rouge father arrested on negligent homicide after baby found dead in hot car.” 9-9-2021. Accessed 1-4-2022 at: https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/crime_police/article_9d4d8dac-1181-11ec-8d25-934f64895703.html
The Columbian (Hayley Day), Vancouver, WA. “Man dies of heat exposure, other health complications at Longview homeless encampment Sunday.” 7-6-2021. Accessed 7-6-2021 at: https://www.columbian.com/news/2021/jul/06/man-dies-of-heat-exposure-other-health-complications-at-longview-homeless-encampment-sunday/
The Guardian, US News, NY (Victoria Bekiempis). “Record-breaking US Pacific north-west heatwave killed almost 200 people.” 7-8-2021. Accessed 7-9-2021 at: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jul/08/pacific-northwest-heatwave-deaths
The Hill. “Arizona officials investigating 53 deaths as heat related.” 6-29-2021. Accessed 7-25-2021 at: https://thehill.com/changing-america/well-being/longevity/560787-arizona-officials-investigating-53-deaths-as-heat
The Oregonian (Noelle Crombie), Portland. “Death toll from historic heat waves rises to 107.” 7-6-2021. Accessed 7-6-2021 at: https://www.oregonlive.com/weather/2021/07/death-toll-from-historic-heat-waves-rises-to-107.html
The Oregonian (Jamie Goldberg), Portland. “Marion County farm where worker died was previously cited for workplace safety violations.” 7-1-2021. Accessed 7-20-2021 at: https://www.oregonlive.com/business/2021/07/marion-county-farm-where-worker-died-was-previously-cited-for-workplace-violations.html
The Oregonian (Maxine Bernstein), Portland. “Two men found dead from heat in homeless camp along stretch of road in Bend, officials confirm.” 7-3-2021. Accessed 7-6-2021 at: https://www.oregonlive.com/weather/2021/07/two-men-found-dead-from-heat-in-homeless-camp-along-stretch-of-road-in-bend-officials-confirm.html
The Wenatchee World (Oscar Rodriguez), WA. “Heat wave results in six deaths in North Central Washington.” 7-9-2021. Accessed 7-24-2021 at: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/heat-wave-results-in-six-deaths-in-north-central-washington/article_e81e8cd6-e0e0-11eb-b200-ff634edac73c.html
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https://www.bls.gov/regions/midwest/news-release/fatalworkinjuries_ohio.htm
Tri-City Herald (Annette Cary), WA. “2 Tri-Cities area deaths tied to Northwest heat wave.” 7-1-2021, updated 7-4-2021. Accessed 7-24-2021 at: https://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/weather-news/article252503913.html
Tri-City Herald, WA. “4 Tri-Cities area deaths blamed on record heat wave. None had air conditioning.” 7-8-2021. Accessed 7-24-2021 at: https://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/weather-news/article252658378.html
Wall Street Journal (Aydali Campa). “New Heat Wave Blisters the West.” 7-11-2021. Accessed 7-12-2021 at: https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-heat-wave-blisters-the-west-11626020645
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WDSU News 6, New Orleans. “1 death in St. Tammany Parish brings Ida’s toll to 29.” 9-14-2021. Accessed 9-14-2021 at: https://www.wdsu.com/article/hurricane-ida-louisiana-death-toll-28/37579406#
Yakima Herald-Republic, WA. “7 Yakima County deaths tied to historic heat wave, coroner says.” 7-8-2021, updated 7-9-2021. Accessed 7-24-2021 at: https://www.yakimaherald.com/news/local/7-yakima-county-deaths-tied-to-historic-heat-wave-coroner-says/article_7bc6ac6f-9081-53c2-84ee-95ecb48fe63f.html
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York Dispatch/Harper Ho, PA. “‘A tragedy’: Heat likely killed York County boy found in closed car.” 8-26-2021. Accessed 1-4-2022 at: https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/2021/08/26/a-tragedy-heat-likely-killed-york-co-boy-found-closed-car/5598205001/
[1] Center for Medicine and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting FY 2019. “Other External Causes of Morbidity Code Issues,” p20.
[2] People.com (Greg Hanlon). “‘Sweet Little Boy,’ 3, Dies After Being Left in Hot Car in Apparent ‘Tragic Accident’.” 8-27-2021.
[3] Table: “Deaths from Exposure to Excessive Natural Heat.”
[4] Infant had been left in hot car for approximately two hours while she was inside the Superstition Springs Center shopping mall. (Arizona Republic. “Infant found in hot car at Mesa mall dies, becoming first Arizona hot-car death this year.” 8-8-2021.)
[5] AP. “Police: Woman’s Death in Desert Believed to Be Heat-Caused.” U.S. News & World Report, 8-28-2021.
[6] We list this update to the number of 43 discovered bodies in the next footnote in Pima County in that the data is from Humane Borders and the Pima County Medical Examiner’s Office. The article notes that not all the deaths necessarily took place in 2021 and that not all were necessarily heat-related. Article notes that “the West is in the grip of a historic drought and a blistering heat wave. In June, Phoenix [Maricopa County] saw high temperatures above 115 degrees for a record-setting six days in a row, while Tucson [Pima County] set daily record highs in that same six-day period. “It’s so hot that even having water isn’t necessarily going to save somebody’s life,” said Doug Roupp, board chair for Humane Borders. It is also noted that by approximately July 13, 2020, there had been 96 deaths. (Cronkite News/Alyssa Marksz, Arizona PBS. “Migrant deaths in the desert at record levels as heat wave pounds West.” 7-13-2021.)
[7] AP/Anita Snow. “More migrant deaths recorded in heat along Arizona border.” 7-12-2021. Writes: “Phoenix – The bodies of an unusually large number of migrants who died in Arizona’s borderlands are being recovered this summer amid record temperatures in the sun-scorched desert and rugged mountains….The nonprofit group Humane Borders, which maps the recoveries of bodies in Arizona using data from the Pima County Medical Examiner’s Office in Tucson, said 43 sets of human remains were found in the state’s border region last month – the hottest June on record for Phoenix. Forecasters say highs in Phoenix, where temperatures last month regularly soared above 110 degrees Fahrenheit…tend to be similar to those in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert north of Mexico. Not all 43 of those people died in June, but at least 16 had been dead for just a day and another 13 for less than a week when they were found….”
[8] Gila Herald, AZ. “More migrant deaths occur in Arizona’s desert in June.” 6-28-2021. Found deceased in the desert on June 13 under a tree. Presumed heat death, awaiting confirmation.
[9] Seattle Times, WA. “Hiker from Washington state found dead in Death Valley National Park during triple-digit heat.” 7-30-2021. Victim identified as Douglas Branham, 68, who had said he had planned a 12-mile hike.
[10] News3lv.com. “Hiker dies while hiking in Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley.” 11-9-2021.
[11] News3lv.com. “California man dies while hiking at Death Valley.” 8-21-2021.
[12] NYT (Livia Albeck-Ripka). “Family’s Disappearance Reflects Toll of California’s Deadly Heat.” 11-11-2021.
[13] The girl, Jessica Campos, had been left in the car for 2.5-3 hours while she tended an illegal marijuana farm.
[14] Juana Perez-Domingo, 43, had been hired to take children to a day-care. “Just before 8 a.m. she put the toddler, who has been identified as Joceyln Maritza Mendez, in the third row of her Toyota Sienna minivan – without a child’s seat – to take her to the day care. The child was strapped in with the seat belt. Perez-Domingo later admitted she ‘got distracted’ and went back inside her home [where she went first after picking up the child because the day-care was not yet open], never turning the van on….Perez-Domingo went back to the van about 3 p.m. and found the child. But instead of calling 911…she called the child’s mother and ‘advised her that the victim had died.’ Perez-Domingo then drove the lifeless child to the mother’s house. The woman had no driver’s license…Her transportation service appeared to be off the books.” She was arrested on a charge of aggravated manslaughter of a child. (Miami Herald/David Ovalle. “A woman was supposed to drive a toddler to daycare. The child died inside the hot van, cops say.” 7-17-2021.)
[15] OSHA Inspection: 1528909.015, World Wide Harvesting Llc.
[16] OSHA Inspection Detail, 1529935.015, Costa Farms, Llc.
[17] Orlando Sentinel, FL. “Woman, baby daughter found dead in car at Oak Ridge parking lot.” 9-10-2021.
[18] Left in a locked vehicle for “several hours.” (Pensacola News Journal/Colin Warren-Hicks “Nine-month-old baby dies after being left in hot car for several hours in Pace, SRSO says.” 6-14-1021.)
[19] KSN.com, Wichita. “Sheriff: Kansas toddler who died from heat was found in car.” 8-11-2021, rev. 8-12-2021.
[20] The father was later arrested on a charge of negligent homicide. Only after he went to pick her up from her caregiver that evening did he discover he had not dropped his daughter off, and she had been in the car all day. (The Advocate. “Baton Rouge father arrested on negligent homicide after baby found dead in hot car.” 9-9-2021.)
[21] Cites LA Health Dept. Twitter page Sep 13. (AP. “2 more deaths from heat attributed to Ida in [LA]” 9-13-2021.)
[22] LA Dept. of Health tweet; 4WWL. “74-year-old man dies of heat exhaustion during Ida power outages.” 9-5-2021. 4WWL notes that “Sunday [Sep 5] feel-like temperatures were in the 100s.” Citing NOLA.com, notes the death was the “fifth senior resident to die in the recent heatwave.” Does not state that the other four were storm-related.
[23] Dates from LDH website post of Sep 8 are those that relate to the “date verified” not necessarily date of death.
[24] WDSU News 6, New Orleans. “1 death in St. Tammany Parish brings Ida’s toll to 29.” 9-14-2021. Cites statement by Gov. John Bel Edwards.
[25] Louisiana Dept. of Health. “LDH: Hurricane Ida storm-related death toll rises to 10.” 9-3-2021.
[26] Notes four of the seven heat-related deaths were of suspected or presumed homeless.
[27] Apparently the boy and his twin brother got into family car and were not found until about 90 minutes after father reported the boys missing. The second twin survived. Reported that while the outdoor temperature was 85 degrees, “the inside of the vehicle could have reached at least 130 degrees.” (Star Tribune/Jana Hollingsworth, Minneapolis/St. Paul. “Hibbing boy, 3, locked in hot car has died.” 8-11-2021,)
[28] Associated Press. “Nebraska football player dies after heat-related medical emergency at practice.” NBC News, 8-12-2021. Drake Geiger, 16, was treated for heat exposure by medics when called to South High School. Taken to hospital where he died. His father quoted as stating his son had no known medical conditions.
[29] “The medical examiner’s investigation concluded that the child died because of ‘heat-related injuries’ caused by being left inside the vehicle…” (Fayetteville Observer, NC. “Fayetteville father charged with manslaughter in child’s hot car death.” 9-15-2021.)
[30] The number 12 refers only to confirmed hyperthermia deaths. Others were awaiting confirmation. One of the deaths was an apparently homeless man found dead in his vehicle. (The Oregonian. “Two men found dead from heat in homeless camp along stretch of road in Bend…” 7-3-2021.)
[31] The Oregonian. “Two men found dead from heat in homeless camp along stretch of road in Bend…” 7-3-2021. Notes that Bend’s high temperature that day was 104 degrees.
[32] The Oregonian. “Two men found dead from heat in homeless camp along stretch of road in Bend…” 7-3-2021.
[33] New York Times. “Heat-Related Death Toll Climbs to Nearly 100 in Washington State and Oregon,” 7-1-2021. Both the farm, Ernst Nursery & Farms, and its labor contractor had previously been cited by Oregon’s Occupational Safety and Health division, for workplace violations. (The Oregonian. “Marion County farm where worker died was previously cited for workplace safety violations.” 7-1-2021.)
[34] “In Multnomah County, the county with the highest number of heat wave-related deaths, the death toll rose to 72, according to data released by Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office.” (KOIN 6, Portland. “Oregon heat deaths now 116; new worker rules coming.” 7-7-2021.) “A majority [Multnomah] died at home. Half were in apartments, about a third in their homes and some in RVs and mobile homes. 7 had unplugged air conditioners.” (KOIN 6, Portland. “Multnomah County. MultCo releases report on heat deaths.” 7-13-2021.) Another source notes “Some residents’ bodies were not found for up to a week after the worst of the heat had passed, a fact that authorities said supports the role of social isolation in the deaths. The average age was 70.” (AP. “Oregon Heat Wave Victims Older, Lived Alone, Had no AC.” U.S. News & World Report. 7-13-2021.)
[35] Apparently the boy got into the vehicle on his own and couldn’t get out. (York Dispatch/Harper Ho, PA. “‘A tragedy’: Heat likely killed York County boy found in closed car.” 8-26-2021.)
[36] Live5WCSC News, Charleston, SC. “Coroner identifies infant twins found dead in vehicle outside SC daycare.” 9-1-2021, updated 9-2-2021.
[37] “…the boy’s guardian told them that he was mistakenly left in the car…She said she thought she dropped the 3-year-old off at day care with her other children that morning, but didn’t notice he hadn’t gone inside with them until later that day, police said.” (ABC News. “3-year-old boy dies after he’s left in hot car in South Carolina.” 7-1-2021.
[38] Associated Press. “With more border crossers, US groups seek to stem deaths.” 5-22-2021. Notes: “In Brooks County in the Rio Grande Valley, the busiest corridor for illegal crossings, local officials have recovered 40 bodies of migrants in the brush so far this year. In all of 2020 they found 34 bodies…”
[39] Click2Houston. “1-Year-old girl found dead after being left in mother’s hot vehicle for nearly 10 hours, deputies say.” 9-9-2021, updated 9-10-2021.
[40] Boy was found dead inside a hot car at a home off N. Church Avenue. Police broke a window, but the boy was already dead. (KIRO 7, Seattle. “3-year-old boy found dead in hot car in Texas, police say.” 7-21-2021.)
[41] The boy was in a locked car parked outside Roost Services, “an organization that provides for youth and adults with developmental disabilities. Police say the boy, who had an unknown disability, had been brought to the location by staff members and was somehow left in the car.” (Fox 13, Salt Lake City. “Boy found dead in American Fork after being left in hot car.” 7-22-2021.)
[42] A parent drove several children home, but failed to take the five-year-old our of the child safety seat. Pronounced dead when at hospital after being left in the car two to three hours. (CNN/Raya Razek. “5-Year old dies after being left in a car during high temperatures for possibly up to several hours, police say.” 8-11-1021.)
[43] The tally of 132 heat-related deaths is from a data table entitled “Preliminary heat-related death county by county of residence and county of occurrence, June 26-August 8 (2021).”
[44] 33 of the deaths were reported on June 29 alone. (KING 5. “91 people have died in Washington from recent heat wave, health department says.” KREM1, 7-8-2021.)
[45] Tri-City Herald, WA. “4 Tri-Cities area deaths blamed on record heat wave. None had air conditioning.” 7-8-2021. Death ruled as hyperthermia due to the heat by Benton County Coroner. Heat in woman’s house was over 95 degrees when medics arrived around 10 a.m., and her body temperature was ‘extremely high.” (YakTriNews.com. “Kennewick woman’s death associated with extremely high temperatures.” 6-30-2021.)
[46] Tri-City Herald, WA. “4 Tri-Cities area deaths blamed on record heat wave. None had air conditioning.” 7-8-2021
[47] Tri-City Herald, WA. “4 Tri-Cities area deaths blamed on record heat wave. None had air conditioning.” 7-8-2021
[48] “The Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office estimates between five and 10 Clark County residents died as a result of last week’s extreme heat [as of June 30].” (Camas-Washougal Post Record, WA. “County looks into heat-related deaths.” 7-8-2021.)
[49] The Columbian, Vancouver, WA. “Man dies of heat exposure…at Longview homeless encampment…” 7-6-2021. Notes: “The Western Regional Climate Center reports temperatures reached 107⁰ Sunday in Cowlitz County.” The Cowlitz County Deputy Coroner reported the death was due to heat-related causes. (The Columbian. “Man dies of heat exposure, other health complications at Longview homeless encampment Sunday.” 7-6-2021.)
[50] Cited as source is the Douglas County Deputy Coroner, who also noted the air conditioner in her home had broken down. Outdoor temperatures reached 116 degrees. (The Wenatchee World (Oscar Rodriguez), WA. “Heat wave results in six deaths in North Central Washington.” 7-9-2021.)
[51] KOMO News, Seattle. “At least 29 deaths in western Washington linked to historic heatwave.” 7-1-2021.
[52] Tri-City Herald, WA. “4 Tri-Cities area deaths blamed on record heat wave. None had air conditioning.” 7-8-2021. The Franklin County coroner reported that there was no air conditioning in the house. (Tri-City Herald, WA. “2 Tri-Cities area deaths tied to Northwest heat wave.” 7-1-2021, updated 7-4-2021.)
[53] iFIBERONE. “Grant County coroner expects to add 2 to region’s heat-related death toll.” 7-13-2021. Notes that the coroner indicated that these deaths could not be officially confirmed as heat-related until pathology and toxicology reports come back, which could take weeks.
[54] Peninsula Daily News, WA (Leah Leach and Zach Jablonski). “Peninsula heat deaths investigated.” 7-11-2021. Notes “Temperatures rose to 100 degrees in Port Townsend on that day.”
[55] Peninsula Daily News. “Peninsula heat deaths investigated.” 7-11-2021.
[56] Seattle Times. “2 dead from heat exposure during Monday’s record temperatures in King County.” 6-30-2021.
[57] Seattle Times. “Heat-wave deaths rise across Pacific Northwest, including 11 more in King County.” 7-6-2021.
[58] New York Times. “Heat-Related Death Toll Climbs to Nearly 100 in Washington State and Oregon,” 7-1-2021.
[59] Seattle Times. “‘He probably figured he’d tough it out’: Homeless man died in heat wave, minutes from cooling center.” 7-12-2021. Notes temperatures reached 110 degrees that Monday.
[60] Kitsap Sun, WA. “‘Never seen anything like this:’ Heat contributes to at least 4 deaths in Bremerton.” 6-29-2021.
[61] “The five heat-related deaths in Okanogan County were all men older than 60, living by themselves with underlying health issues and no air conditioning. The temperature inside each of their homes was above 100 degrees, according to Dave Rodriguez, Okanogan County coroner. Their death certificates will include the ‘extreme heat environment’ as a contributing factor, he said. ‘Most likely if it was 75 degrees out they would still be sitting in their homes and still alive,’ Rodriguez said.” (The Wenatchee World, WA. “Heat wave results in six deaths in North Central Washington.” 7-9-2021.)
[62] Methow Valley News (Marcy Stamper), WA. “Heat contributes to 4 deaths in Okanogan County. 7-7-2021. Notes victims lived alone in “sealed up” locations. The temperature reached 117 on June 29 in Omak
[63] Methow Valley News (Marcy Stamper), WA. “Heat contributes to 4 deaths in Okanogan County. 7-7-2021. Victim lived alone. The Okanogan County Coroner is cited as source.
[64] Methow Valley News (Marcy Stamper), WA. “Heat contributes to 4 deaths in Okanogan County. 7-7-2021. Okanogan County Coroner Dave Rodriquez cited. Victim lived alone with windows closed.
[65] Pierce County Medical Examiner. “June 2021 Heat Wave: Heat-Related Deaths in Pierce County.” 7-21-2021. The confirmed deaths are described as “heat-related deaths due to the unprecedented heat in the region.”
[66] Seattle Times. “Heat-wave deaths rise across Pacific Northwest, including 11 more in King County.” 7-6-2021.
[67] Associated Press (Selsky and Morris) “Hundreds of deaths could be linked to Northwest heat wave.” 6-30-2021.
[68] Seattle Times. “Heat-wave deaths rise across Pacific Northwest, including 11 more in King County.” 7-6-2021.
[69] Associated Press (Selsky and Morris) “Hundreds of deaths could be linked to Northwest heat wave.” 6-30-2021.
[70] Seattle Times. “Heat-wave deaths rise across Pacific Northwest, including 11 more in King County.” 7-6-2021.
[71] Associated Press (Selsky and Morris) “Hundreds of deaths could be linked to Northwest heat wave.” 6-30-2021.
[72] Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office. “Media Release.” 7-22-2021.
[73] Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office. “Media Release.” 7-22-2021.
[74] Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office. “Media Release.” 7-22-2021.
[75] Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office. “Media Release.” 7-22-2021,
[76] Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office. “Media Release.” 7-22-2021.
[77] Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office. Media Release Information. 7-16-2021. “At the present time there are 20 deaths wherein circumstances suggest they may be heat related. In many of the cases, the pathologist has determined that excessive heat played a role in the death, but is waiting for additional testing to determine whether there are other conditions that contributed, thus the final cause of death statement is not yet available.”
[78] Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office. Media Release Information. 7-15-2021. Stacy Leahy death.
[79] Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office. Media Release Information. 7-13-2021 update.
[80] Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office. Media Release Information. 7-6-2021, updated 7-14-2021.
[81] Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office. Media Release Information. 7-2-2021.
[82] Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office. Media Release Information. 7-2-2021.
[83] Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office. Media Release Information. 7-6-2021.
[84] Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office. Media Release Information. 7-7-2021.
[85] Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office. Media Release Information. 7-9-2021. Floyd Napier death.
[86] Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office. Media Release Information. 7-15-2021.
[87] Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office. Media Release Information. 7-9-2021.
[88] Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office. Media Release Information. 7-2-2021.
[89] Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office. Media Release Information. 7-9-2021.
[90] KOMO News, Seattle. “At least 29 deaths in western Washington linked to historic heatwave.” 7-1-2021.
[91] KOMO News, Seattle. “At least 29 deaths in western Washington linked to historic heatwave.” 7-1-2021.
[92] KOMO News, Seattle. “At least 29 deaths in western Washington linked to historic heatwave.” 7-1-2021.
[93] Probable reference to death of a sickly elderly woman who had a heat stroke as a cause of death according to the Whatcom County Medical Examiner. (Bellingham Herald, WA. “One dead, other vulnerable people suffered in Whatcom’s recent heatwave.” 7-3-2021.)
[94] YakTriNews.com. “Yakima County Coroner: Excessive heat contributed to nine deaths.” 7-8-2021. All men, ages 35, 39, 62, 73, 76, 77, 84, 86, and 90. Coroner stated: “During our death investigations, it was determined that heat was a contributing factor…The common theme is a pre-existing cardiac disease history with limited and/or no environment mitigation.” (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA. “7 Yakima County deaths tied to historic heat wave, coroner says.” 7-8-2021, updated 7-9-2021.)
[95] New York Times. “Heat-Related Death Toll Climbs to Nearly 100 in Washington State and Oregon,” 7-1-2021.
[96] Cites IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change). 2014.