2021 — Feb 13-19, Winter storm weather and cold wave, much of U.S., especially TX — >175

->175 Blanchard on death-toll numbers and accuracy.*

–175 Blanchard tally from State breakouts below.
—<80 Wall Street Journal. “Full Death Toll From Texas Storm Could Take Months…” 2-23-2021. -->70 AP/Stengle & Renault. “Suspected hypothermia deaths in homes mount in Texas.” 2-20-2021.
–~59 Weather.com. “Dozens of Deaths Connected to Winter Storms This week…” 2-19-2021.
–~58 NYT “Extreme Cold Killed Texans in their Bedrooms, Vehicles…Backyards.” 2-19-2021.
–~49 KXAN, Austin. “At least 49 dead amid winter weather…as storm moves east.” 2-18-2021.
— 47 Washington Post. “A boy who fell through ice, a woman who lost power: 47 deaths…” 2-18-2021.
–~40 The Hill. “Death toll from winter weather rises to at least 40: AP.” 2-18-2021.
–~34 CBS News. “Winter storm devastates Texas as power outages continue.” 2-19-2021.
–~31 New York Times. “Live Updates: Millions Endure Days Without Power…” 2-17-2021.
–~23 New York Times. “At Least 23 People Dead in Storm-Related Incidents.” 2-16-2021.
–~23 New York Times. “Power Is Still Off for Millions After Winter Storm.” 2-17-2021.
–~20 Associated Press. “100 million Americans brace for more cold, ice and snow.” 2-17-2021.
–~20 Assoc. Press. “Millions endure record cold without power; at least 20 dead.” 2-17-2021.
–~17 CBS News. “Second major winter storm threatens wide swath…millions…suffering.” 2-17-2021.

*Blanchard on death-toll numbers. The number of at least 163 winter storm and cold-related deaths is from State breakouts below. We view this as an undercount. Officials in several Texas counties have noted it would take months to deal with the large volume of deaths in their counties. Our experience in covering other cold-weather events makes us doubtful that every case of a “frozen” person or a dead person in a very cold house, will lead to an official pronouncement stating the cause of death as hypothermia. We will probably never see a precise accounting.

*WSJ: From Wall Street Journal in reference to Texas deaths specifically and disaster deaths in general.

“Medical examiners don’t determine the circumstances of a death. It will be up to officials such as constable and justices of the peace in each of Texas’ 254 counties to investigate any recent deaths and decide whether they might have been related to the storm. Cases that local registrars flag as possibly storm-related will be referred to state epidemiologists to evaluate, said Chris Van Deusen, a spokesman for the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Calculating fatalities from any large-scale crisis is difficult, and totals can be unreliable, said Robert Jensen, chairman of Kenyon International Emergency Services, a London and Houston-based firm that has been hired to help count deaths after events such as Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana in 2005. Authorities there primarily counted bodies left behind as floodwater receded, he said. In a case such as the storm in Texas, the reporting is likely to be based on local authorities’ opinions.

‘Every county will kind of do their own thing,’ Mr. Jensen said. Individual officials will have to weigh factors such as whether a house fire or a carbon monoxide poisoning occurred because people were trying to stay warm, whether a car crash happened because of ice, or whether a lack of water or power caused an existing medical condition to flare or go untreated.

Mr. Jensen added that there is often little political will among state officials to standardize the process or to determine the true cost of a disaster. ‘Mass fatalities scare people, and they’re very political,’ he said. ‘I don’t think it’s intentionally misleading, it’s just a very screwed-up process.’” (Wall Street Journal (Elizabeth Findell). “Full Death Toll From Texas Storm Could Take Months to Determine.” 2-23-2021.)

Blanchard: We have located one account of an undocumented immigrant exposure/hypothermia death in all of Texas during this event. How likely is it that there was but one such death?

Summary of Winter Weather or Winter Weather-Related Fatalities by State

Arkansas ( 1)
Kansas ( 1)
Kentucky ( 8)
Louisiana ( 6)
Maryland ( 4)
Michigan ( 1)
Mississippi ( 5)
Missouri ( 2)
Nebraska ( 1)
Ohio ( 6)
Oklahoma ( 3)
Oregon ( 4)
Tennessee ( 10)
Texas (123)

Breakout by State of Winter Weather or Winter Weather-Related Fatalities

Arkansas ( 1)
–1 Magazine, Feb 16/17. Drowning; Jessie Roberts, 69; trying to save calf in frozen pond.

Kansas ( 1)
–1 Dexter area, Cowley Co., found dead outside, Feb 16am. Exposure, elderly woman, thinly clad.

Kentucky ( 8)
–1 Boyd Co., Ashland, body found Feb 17. Hypothermia; woman, 77, power out, roads blocked.
–1 Boyd Co., Ashland, Feb 14-17. Hypothermia; elderly woman. (not the Feb 17 victim).
–1 Carter Co., I-64 ~Olive Hill exit, Feb 15. Car slides “due to ice and snow” hits guardrail, semi.
–2 Laurel County, London, bodies found Feb 21. Hypothermia, married couple at home.
–1 Rockcastle Co., I-75, ~56-mile marker, Feb 15. Car crash; driver loses control, hits semi.
–2 Trimble Co., Milton, Feb 14. “…vehicle slid off…[icy] road and overturned in a waterway.

Louisiana ( 6)
–2 Avoyelles Parish, Feb 20 rpt. by LA Dept. of Health. CO poisoning; man, 68, woman, 44.
–1 Caddo Parish, Feb 15 (found outside Tex. Ave. bldg.). Exposure; James D. Cunningham, 61.
–1 Calcasieu Parish, Feb 15. Drowning; man, 77, slips, falls into pool and drowned.
–1 Lafayette Parish, Feb 15/16. Exposure, woman, 74; body found in neighbor’s front yard.
–1 Lafayette Parish, Feb 15. Male, 50, slipped on ice, hitting his head on the ground and died.

Maryland ( 4)
–4 WJZ 13, CBS Baltimore. “34 Cold-Related Deaths Reported in Maryland…” 2-26-2021.
–1 Anne Arundel County, Feb 16-22, “cold weather.” Male, 18-44.
–1 Anne Arundel County, Feb 16-22, “cold weather.” Male, 45-64.
–1 Baltimore County, Feb 16-22, “cold weather.” Male, 65 or older.
–1 Calvert County, Feb 16-22, “cold weather.” Male 18-44.

Michigan ( 1)
–1 Detroit River, ~Belle Isle, Feb 17. Man walks onto ice ~Belle Isle Casino; jumps; ice breaks.

Mississippi ( 5)
–1 Lafayette County. Exposure. “Blamed…on last week’s winter weather.”
–1 Neshoba County. Vehicular accident. “Blamed…on last week’s winter weather.”
–1 Oktibbeha Co., Starkville area, Feb 15. Man lost control of vehicle on icy road and overturned.
–1 Warren County. Exposure. “Blamed…on last week’s winter weather.”
–1 Warren County. Traffic accident. “Blamed…on last week’s winter weather.”

Missouri ( 2)
–1 Sturgeon area, southwest, Hwy 63, near Breedlove Rd. Snowplow hits pickup, male, 59.
–1 Koshkonong area, Highway M, Feb 14. Man, 67; passenger; vehicle slides off icy road.

Nebraska ( 1)
–1 Maxwell, Feb 15. Possible hypothermia; Danny Effenbeck, 65, found dead in home, -14⁰ inside.

Ohio ( 6)
–1 Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Feb 13. Hypothermia; male 71.
–1 Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Feb 13. Hypothermia; female, 67.
–1 Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Feb 16. Hypothermia; male, 63.
–1 Cleveland area, Cuyahoga County, Feb 16. Man hits ODOT snow plow truck, killed.
–1 Columbus, body found Feb 18. Suspected exposure; found on ground outside hotel turned shelter.
–1 Troy Township, Bradner Rd., Feb 16. Man, 48, plowing driveway with ATV, hit by car.

Oklahoma ( 3)
–1 I-35, Braman area, Feb 15. Man loses control of car, hit by semi, then hit bridge railing.
–1 Dewar area, Feb 18. Teenage girl falls through ice on pond outside of Dewar.
–1 Oklahoma City, near Reno and May, Feb 17. Exposure?; homeless man in his 50s.

Oregon ( 4)
–4 Portland area. Feb 13-14; carbon monoxide poisoning.

Tennessee (10)
–10 NewsChannel5, Nashville. “Weather-related deaths in Tenn. increase to 10…” 2-19-2021.
— 8 Fox17, WZTV, Nashville. “Eight Tennesseans died due to winter storms.” 2-19-2021.
— 6 WKRN, Nashville. “TDH: 6 people dead from winter storm in Tennessee.” 2-18-2021.
Breakout of Tennessee weather-related fatalities by locality:
–1 Dickson Co., Vanleer, Feb 18. Drowning; elderly man falls through pond ice after cows.
–1 Maury County. No details other than one death reported by TN Dept. of Health.
–1 Overton County, Rickman area, ~Feb 18. Apparent heart attack; male, 70, without heat.
–4 Shelby Co. Fox17, WZTV Nashville. “Eight Tennesseans died due to winter storms.” 2-19-2021.
–1 Millington area, Feb 14. Boy, 10, falls though ice-covered pond.
–3 “Possible hypothermia-related” deaths in Shelby County.
–2 Sumner County, Portland. Cites Tennessee Department of Health; elderly man and woman.
–1 Williamson Co., Brentwood, Feb 16. Sledding on tube pulled by ATV, slides on ice, hits mailbox.

Texas (123)
–>123 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below. (We do not believe we know of all deaths.)
–3 Brazoria Co. We show 4; TX DSHS “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021, shows 1.
–1 Dallas Co. We show 4; TX DSHS, “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021, shows 3.
–4 Fort Bend Co. We show 7; TX DSHS, “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021, shows 3.
–1 Galveston Co. We show 7; TX DSHS, “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021, shows 6.
–3 Harris Co. We show 34; TX DSHS, “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021, shows 31.
— 111 Feb 11-Mar 5. TX Dept. of Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021
— >57 TX State Department of Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-15-2021.
–51-56 Houston Chronicle. “Winter storm’s death toll rivals Harvey…count…rising…” 2-26-2021.
— >40 Houston-area. Houston Chronicle. “Winter storm’s death toll rivals Harvey…” 2-26-2021.
— >40 PBS News Hour. “Biden surveys damage of severe winter weather in Texas.” 2-26-2021.
— 30 Wash. Post. “A boy who fell through ice, a woman who lost power: 47 deaths…” 2-18-2021.
— 20 CBS News. “Winter storm devastates Texas as power outages continue.” 2-19-2021.
Breakout of Texas winter-related fatalities by locality.
— 1 Aransas County. (Texas Department of State Health Services. News Update, 3-15-2021.)
— 1 Armstrong County. Feb 11-Mar 5. TX DSHS. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
— 1 Bandera County. (Texas Department of State Health Services. News Update, 3-15-2021.)
— 4 Bexar County. TX Department of State Health Services. News Update, 3-25-2021.
–1 North Bexar Co., Feb 15. Exposure? Man, 78, found by wife dead outside home.
–1 San Antonio, found dead in bed Feb 17. Alleged hypothermia; Ann Rodriguez.
–1 Feb 18 Hypothermia? Man, 69, found dead at home, 35⁰ inside, no electricity.
–1 Feb 11-Mar 5. TX DSHS. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
— 4 Brazoria County. (TX DSHS. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021 notes 1 death.)
–1 Angleton, Feb 17. Possible exposure, medical examiner report, woman, 39.
–1 Pearland, found dead Feb 13. Possible carbon monoxide poisoning, male, 72.
–1 Pearland, reported Feb 18 by medical examiner. Possible exposure, 72.
–1 Pearland, Feb 21. Unable to get dialysis treatment due to weather. Denise Rodarte.
— 1 Cass County. Texas Department of State Health Services. News Update, 3-15-2021.
— 1 Clay County. Texas DSHS. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
— 2 Coleman County. Texas DSHS. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
— 2 Collin County, Lucas, Thunder Bay Drive and Enchanted Way, Feb.
— 4 Dallas County. (TX DSHS “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021, notes 3.)
–1 Dallas. Carbon monoxide poisoning at home. Lorenzo Charles Washington, 3d, 34.
–1 Old East Dallas, 4700 block Eastside Ave. Hypothermia? Leobardo Torres Sanchez, 59.
–2 Garland, found Feb 19. Suspected CO poisoning; apt. with running generator, males.
–1 Jose Anguiano Torres, 28.
–1 Arnulfo Escalante Lopez, 41.
— ? Denton County. Three county deaths under investigation by Tarrant Co. med. examiner.
— 1 Ector County. TX State Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
— 2 Ellis County. TX State Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
— 1 Fayette County. TX State Dept. Health Serv. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
— 7 Fort Bend County.
–2 TX State Dept. of Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-15-2021.
–3 TX State Dept. of Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
–4 Sugarland, outside Houston, Feb 16. Home fire, Grandmother, three children.
–1 Loan Le, 75. (Houston Chronicle. “Those who died across the Houston…” 2-26-2021.)
–3 Colette Nguyen, 5; Edison Nguyen, 8; Olivia Nguyen, 11.
–3 Hypothermia. (Houston Chronicle. “Those who died across the Houston Region…” 2-26-2021.)
–1 Unidentified women, 52, 75, and 84.
— 1 Freestone County. TX State Dept. Health Serv. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-15-2021.
— 1 Frio County. TX State Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-15-2021.
— 7 Galveston County. (Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.)
–6 TX State Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
–1 Bacliff, Feb 16, Exposure; medical examiner report; woman, 88. Agnes Reed, 88?
–1 Dickinson area, found Feb 16. Suspected exposure, woman, 85.
–1 Galveston, found dead Feb 15. Suspected exposure, male, 62.
–1 Hitchcock, Feb 16, Exposure; Galveston med. exam. rpt. male 50. Terrill Turner, 50?
–1 Hitchcock, found Feb 16. Suspected exposure; woman, 89.
–1 Santa Fe, Feb 16. “Highly suspected carbon monoxide death.” Man, 70.
–1 Santa Fe area, reported Feb 18 by medical examiner. Exposure, man, 70s.
Galveston County; 7 deaths noted by Houston Chronicle, “Those who…” Cannot match.
Paul Anger, 51, exposure
Janie Hernandez, 87, hypothermia
Richard McCrory, 72 COPD (relied on oxygen)
Agnes Reed, 88, exposure
Terrill Turner, 50.
Unidentified man, 74, suspected due to weather
Unidentified man, 61, suspected due to weather
— 1 Grayson County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-15-2021.
— 1 Hale County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-15-2021.
–>40 Harris County. Houston Chronicle. “Winter storm’s death toll rivals Harvey…” 2-27-2021.
— 34 Harris County. Blanchard tally from breakouts below.
— 31 TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
–>25 Texas Tribune, Houston. “Winter storm caused at least 57 Deaths…” 3-15-2021.
–>25 KHOU 11, Houston. “At least 25 Harris…deaths linked to winter freeze.” 3-2-2021.
— 16 Houston Chronicle. “Six more winter storm-related deaths…” 2-22-2021.
— 4 Carbon monoxide poisoning.
— 1 Harris County. Jose Rosa Chavez, 49.
–>2 Houston, Feb 15. CO poisoning; woman, girl inside their car in garage.
–1 Mersha Estenesh Eshetu, 46, mother.
–1 Zewodu Rakaeb Shalemu, daughter 7.
— 1 Harris County. Carbon monoxide poisoning; Susana Rosa Ventura, 8.
— 1 Fall on ice. Blunt force trauma of torso with lumbar spine fracture; John Jennings, 86.
— 2 Fire. Houston. Using stove for light. Benjamin Cooks, 70, Virginia Cooks (Fleming) 70.
–27 Hypothermia, exposure, possible exposure. Blanchard tally from breakouts below.
–24 Hypothermia (22) and possible exposure (2) deaths.
–15 Hypothermia, Feb 14-19.
–1 Crosby, Feb 16. Electricity outage, exposure; male, Carrol Anderson, 75.
–1 Houston, Acres Homes, Feb 16. Hypothermia; at home, Doyle Aaron Austin, 96.
–1 Houston, Acres Homes, Feb 17. Hypothermia, at home; Ms. Earlie Baylock, 86.
–1 Harris County, Feb 13-18. Hypothermia; Brenda Benavides, 43.
–1 Harris County, Feb 13-18. Hypothermia; Edward Cooper, 48.
–1 Harris County, Feb 13-18. Hypothermia. Darlene Dahms, 100.
–1 South Houston, Feb 17. Hypothermia; home living room; Catherine Dillingham, 87.
–1 Harris County. Hypothermia; Ralph Durant, 81.
–1 Houston, Feb 16. Hypothermia. Lois Freeney, 88.
–1 Harris County, Feb 13-18. Hypothermia; Artemio Reyes Garcia, 52.
–1 Houston, hypothermia, reported Feb 18. Uvalde Rd apt. Mary Gee, 84.
–1 Houston, hypothermia, announced Feb 18. At home; Jimmie Gloud, 61.
–1 Houston, Found Feb 18. Apparent exposure; elderly, dementia, Betty Hagan.
–1 Harris County, Feb 13-18. Possible exposure, Tore Hoijer.
–1 Harris Co., body found Feb 16 in backyard shed. Hypothermia; Peter Labbe, 76.
–1 Houston, Feb 13-18. Hypothermia death at home; Ann Manning, 87.
–1 Harris County, Feb 13-18. Hypothermia; James Monroe, 61.
–1 Harris County, Feb 13-18. Hypothermia; Doris Ntow, 69.
–1 Houston, Feb 15. Possible exposure, Edward Orton, 60.
–1 Harris County, Feb 13-18. Hypothermia; Esperanza Pena, 79.
–1 Harris County, Feb 13-18. Hypothermia; Norah [Louise ] Pledger, 97.
–1 Houston, Feb 15-16. Hypothermia, found in apartment, Gilbert Rivera, 60.
–1 Harris Co., Feb 13-18. Hypothermia, found in grassy area; Raul Rivera, 51.
–1 Harris Co., Crosby, Feb 13-18. Hypothermia at home; Harvey Smith, 71.
–1 Houston, Feb 13. Hypothermia, Houston hospital emergency room; man, 52.
–1 Houston, Feb 15, homeless man, 60, found dead in van, I-10 East overpass, Sheldon Rd.
–1 No. Harris, Feb 18 found. Unidentified man found dead in parking lot.
— 1 Harris Co., I-10E, Feb 15; lost control of vehicle/hit wall/ice-glazed rd.; Carol Williams.
— 2 Henderson County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
— 2 Hill County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-15-2021.
— 1 Whitney, found unresponsive Feb 19, died 20th. Hypothermia? Elzie D. Ford, 68.
— 1 Hopkins County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-15-2021.
— 1 Hunt County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
— 1 Kaufman County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
— 1 Kendall County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-15-2021.
— 1 Kerr County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
— 1 Lamar County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
— 1 Lavaca County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-15-2021.
— 1 Lee County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-15-2021.
— 1 Leon County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
— 1 Limestone County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
— 1 McLennan County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
— 1 Montgomery County. TX Dept. Health Svcs. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-15-2021.
–1 Conroe, Feb 15/16. Suspected hypothermia; boy 11, mobile home, single digit night.
— 1 Pecos County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-15-2021.
— 1 Rusk County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-15-2021.
— 1 San Antonio, Feb 15. Man, 78, falls [slips on ice?] outside home on Preserve Crest.
— 1 San Saba County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-15-2021.
–1 San Saba, Feb 17. Power out; oxygen machine stops; Katherine Birdwell, 73.
— 1 Schleicher County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
— 1 Sutton County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-15-2021.
–>1 Tarrant County:
–? Seven deaths under investigation by Tarrant County medical examiner’s office.
–1 Edgecliff Village, Fort Worth, Feb 16. Passenger killed/driver lost control/hit light post.
— 7 Taylor County:
–6 TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
–5 TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-15-2021.
–1 Abilene, found Feb 15, corner of Walnut and N 6th. Exposure, homeless man, 67.
–1 Abilene, Feb 17. Hypothermia; man, 60, found dead in home, temp. inside 12⁰.
–1 Abilene, ~Feb 19. Exposure, woman, 86, found frozen in backyard by daughter.
–1 Abilene, Feb 17. Med. facility unable to provide needed treatment/loss of water pressure.
–2 Buffalo Gap, Feb 17. Hypothermia? “…died from suspected cold weather…”
–1 Tuscola, Feb 16. Hypothermia, elderly man found dead on his front porch.
— 9 Travis County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
–1 Austin, Esperanza Cmty. TX designated homeless camp. Feb 15, woman in tent; hypothermia?
–1 Manor. Son claims mother’s inability to access dialysis, loss of electricity or water.
— 1 Trinity County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
— 1 Uvalde County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
— 1 Webb County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
— 1 Wharton County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-15-2021.
— 2 Wichita County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
— 1 Williamson County. TX Dept. Health Serv. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
–1 Feb 19 report. Hypothermia, male, 64, found during welfare check.

Summary of Winter Weather and Related Fatalities by Cause of Death

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning (15)
Drownings, esp. falling through ice ( 6)
Exposure/Hypothermia (74)
Falls/Slips ( 3)
Fire – from fireplace –for heat ( 6) Electricity out; from stove for light
Life Support Equipment related ( 5)
Vehicular (14)
Not Noted or Unclear ( 4)

Breakout of Winter Weather or Winter Weather-Related Fatalities by Cause of Death

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning (15)
–2 LA, Avoyelles Parish, Feb 20 rpt., LA Dept. of Health. CO poisoning; man, 68, woman, 44.
–4 OR, Portland area. Feb 13-14; carbon monoxide poisoning.
–1 TX, Brazoria Co., Pearland, found dead Feb 13. Possible carbon monoxide poisoning, male, 72.
–1 TX, Dallas. Carbon monoxide poisoning at home. Lorenzo Charles Washington, 111, 34.
–2 TX, Dallas Co., Garland, found Feb 19. Suspected CO poisoning; apt., running generator, males.
–1 TX, Harris County. Carbon monoxide poisoning, Jose Rosa Chavez, 49.
–2 TX, Harris County, Houston. Woman and girl trying to stay warm inside their car in garage.
–1 TX, Harris County. Carbon monoxide poisoning; Susana Rosa Ventura, 8.
–1 TX, Galveston Co., Santa Fe, Feb 16. “Highly suspected carbon monoxide death.” ME office

Drownings ( 6)
–1 AR, Magazine, Feb 16/17. Drowning; Jessie Roberts, 69; trying to save calf in frozen pond.
–1 LA, Calcasieu Parish, Feb 15. Drowning; man, 77, slips, falls into pool and drowned.
–1 MI, Detroit Riv., Belle Isle, Feb 17. Man walks onto ice ~Belle Isle Casino; jumps; ice breaks.
–1 OK, Dewar area, Feb 18. Teenage girl falls through ice on pond outside of Dewar.
–1 TN, Millington area, Feb 14. Boy, 10, falls though ice-covered pond, during a winter storm.
–1 TN, Dickson Co., Vanleer, Feb 18. Drowning; older man falls through pond ice after cows.

Exposure/Hypothermia (73)
–1 AR, Lafayette Parish, Feb 15/16. Exposure, woman, 74; body found in neighbor’s front yard.
–1 KS, Cowley Co., Dexter area, found dead outside, Feb 16am. Exposure, elderly woman, thinly clad.
–1 KY, Boyd Co., Ashland, body found Feb 17. Hypothermia; woman, 77, power out, roads blocked.
–1 KY, Boyd Co., Ashland, Feb 14-17. Hypothermia; elderly woman. (not the Feb 17 victim).
–2 KY, Laurel County, London, bodies found Feb 21. Hypothermia, married couple at home.
–1 LA, Caddo Parish, Feb 15 (found outside Tex. Ave. bldg.). Exposure; James D. Cunningham, 61
–1 MD, Anne Arundel County, Feb 16-22, “cold weather.” Male, 18-44.
–1 MD, Anne Arundel County, Feb 16-22, “cold weather.” Male, 45-64.
–1 MD, Baltimore County, Feb 16-22, “cold weather.” Male, 65 or older.
–1 MD, Calvert County, Feb 16-22, “cold weather.” Male 18-44.
–1 MS, Lafayette County. Exposure. “Blamed…on last week’s winter weather.”
–1 MS, Warren County. Exposure. “Blamed…on last week’s winter weather.”
–1 NE, Maxwell, Feb 15. Possible hypothermia; Danny Effenbeck, 65, found dead in home, -14⁰ inside.
–1 OH, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Feb 13. Hypothermia; female, 67.
–1 OH, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Feb 13. Hypothermia; male 71.
–1 OH, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Feb 16. Hypothermia; male, 63.
–1 OH, Columbus, body found Feb 18. Suspected exposure; found on ground outside hotel turned shelter.
–1 OK, Oklahoma City, near Reno and May, Feb 17. Exposure?; homeless man in his 50s.
–3 TN, Shelby County. “Possible hypothermia-related” deaths in Shelby County.
–1 TX, Bexar Co., Feb 18 Hypothermia? Man, 69, found dead at home, 35⁰ inside, no electricity.
–1 TX, Bexar Co., San Antonio, found dead in bed Feb 17. Alleged hypothermia; Ann Rodriguez.
–1 TX, Bexar Co., north, Feb 15. Exposure? Man, 78, found by wife dead outside home.
–1 TX, Brazoria Co., Angleton, reported Feb 18 by medical examiner. Possible exposure, woman, 39.
–1 TX, Brazoria Co., Pearland, reported Feb 18 by med. examiner. Possible exposure, woman, 72.
–1 TX, Dallas Co., Old East Dallas, 4700 block Eastside Ave. Hypothermia? Leobardo Torres Sanchez, 59.
–1 TX, Fort Bend County. Hypothermia; unidentified woman, 52.
–1 TX, Fort Bend County. Hypothermia; unidentified woman, 75.
–1 TX, Fort Bend County. Hypothermia; unidentified woman, 84.
–1 TX, Galveston Co., Bacliff, reported Feb 18 by medical examiner. Exposure; woman, 88.
–1 TX, Galveston County, Dickinson area. Suspected exposure, woman, 85.
–1 TX, Galveston County, Galveston. Suspected exposure, male, 62.
–1 TX, Galveston Co., Hitchcock, announced Feb 18, by medical examiner. Exposure, male 50.
–1 TX, Galveston County, Hitchcock. Suspected exposure; woman, 89.
–1 TX, Galveston Co., Santa Fe area, reported Feb 18 by medical examiner. Exposure, man, 70s.
–1 TX, Harris County, Crosby, Feb 16. Exposure and electricity outage, Carrol Anderson, 75.
–1 TX, Harris County, Houston, Acres Homes, Feb 16. At home, Doyle Aaron Austin, 95.
–1 TX, Harris Co., Houston, Acres Homes, Feb 17. Hypothermia, at home; Ms. Earlie Baylock, 86.
–1 TX, Harris County. Hypothermia; Brenda Benavides, 43.
–1 TX, Harris County. Hypothermia; Edward Cooper, 48.
–1 TX, Harris County. Hypothermia. Darlene Dahms, 100.
–1 TX, Harris Co., So. Houston, Feb 17. Hypothermia; home living room; Catherine Dillingham, 87.
–1 TX, Harris County. Hypothermia; Ralph Durant, 81.
–1 TX, Harris County, Houston, Feb 16. Hypothermia death. Lois Freeney, 88.
–1 TX, Harris County. Hypothermia; Artemio Reyes Garcia, 52.
–1 TX, Harris County, Houston, hypothermia, announced Feb 18. At home, Mary Gee, 84.
–1 TX, Harris County, Houston, hypothermia, announced Feb 18. At home, Jimmie Gloud, 61.
–1 TX, Harris Co., Houston, Found Feb 18. Apparent exposure; elderly, dementia, Betty Hagan.
–1 TX, Harris County. Possible exposure, Tore Hoijer.
–1 TX, Harris County, body found Feb 16 in backyard shed. Hypothermia; Peter Labbe, 76.
–1 TX, Harris Co., Houston, identified Feb 22 as hypothermia death at home; Ann Manning, 87.
–1 TX, Harris County. Hypothermia; James Monroe, 61.
–1 TX, Harris County. Hypothermia; Doris Ntow.
–1 TX, Harris County, Houston, Feb 15. Possible exposure, Edward Orton, 60.
–1 TX, Harris County. Hypothermia; Esperanza Pena, 79.
–1 TX, Harris County. Hypothermia; Norah [Louise ] Pledger, 97.
–1 TX, Harris Co., Houston, Feb 15-16. Hypothermia, found in apartment, Gilbert Rivera, 60.
–1 TX, Harris County. Hypothermia, found in grassy area; Raul Rivera, 51.
–1 TX, Harris County, Crosby, date not noted. Hypothermia at home; Harvey Smith, 71.
–1 TX, Harris Co, Houston, Feb 13. Hypothermia, Houston hospital emergency room; man, 52.
–1 TX, Harris Co., Houston, homeless man, 60, found dead, I-10 East overpass at Sheldon Rd.
–1 TX, Harris County North, Feb 18 found. Unidentified man found dead in parking lot.
–1 TX, Hill Co., Whitney, found unresponsive Feb 19, died 20th. Hypothermia? Elzie D. Ford, 68.
–1 TX, Montgomery Co., Conroe, Feb 15/16. Suspected hypothermia; boy 11, mobile home, single digit night temps.
–1 TX, Taylor Co., Abilene, found Feb 15, corner Walnut and N 6th. Exposure, homeless man, 67.
–1 TX, Taylor Co., Abilene, Feb 17. Hypothermia; man, 60, found dead in bed, temp. inside 12⁰.
–1 TX, Taylor Co., Abilene, ~Feb 19. Exposure, woman, 86, found frozen in backyard by daughter.
–2 TX, Taylor Co., Buffalo Gap, Feb 17. Hypothermia? “…died from suspected cold weather…”
–1 TX, Taylor Co., Tuscola, Feb 16. Hypothermia, elderly man found dead on his front porch.
–1 TX, Travis Co., Austin, Esperanza Comm. TX designated homeless camp. Feb 15, woman in tent; hypothermia?
–1 TX, Williamson County, Feb 19 report. Hypothermia, male, 64, found during welfare check.

Falls/Slips ( 3)
–1 LA, Lafayette Parish, Feb 15. Male, 50, slipped on ice, hitting head on the ground and died.
–1 TX, Harris Co., Cardiovascular disease and blunt trauma of torso with lumbar spine fracture.
(We place here in that the WSJ writes that county officials note one fatal fall on ice.)
–1 TX, San Antonio, Feb 15. Man, 78, falls [slips on ice?] outside home on Preserve Crest.

Fire (no electricity/no heat) ( 6)
–2 House fire. Houston. Using stove for light. Benjamin Cooks, 70, Virginia Cooks 70.
–4 TX, Sugarland, outside Houston, Feb 16. Home fire, Grandmother and three children.

Heart Attack outside seeking aid ( 1)
–1 TN, Overton County, Rickman area, ~Feb 18. Apparent heart attack; male, 70, without heat.

Life Support Equipment Failure ( 5) Loss of electricity
–1 TX, Brazoria County, Pearland, Feb 21. Unable to receive dialysis treatment due to weather.
–1 TX, Harris Co., Crosby, Feb 16. No elec., oxygen machine stops/exposure, Carrol Anderson, 75.
–1 TX, San Saba Co., San Saba, Feb 17. Power out; oxygen machine stops; Katherine Birdwell, 73.
–1 TX, Taylor Co., Abilene, Feb 17. Med. facil., unable to provide dialysis treatment, loss of water pressure.
–1 TX, Travis Co., Manor. Inability to access dialysis, loss of power/water; Diana Martinez Rangel.

Sledding Accidents ( 1)
–1 TN, Brentwood, Feb 16. Sledding on tube pulled by an ATV, slides on ice, hits mailbox.

Vehicular (14)
–1 KY, I-64 ~Olive Hill exit, Feb 15. Car slides “due to ice and snow” hits guardrail, semi.
–1 KY, I-75, Rockcastle Co., ~56-mile marker, Feb 15. Driver loses control, hits semi.
–2 KY, Milton, Feb 14. “…vehicle slid off…[icy] road and overturned in a waterway.
–1 MS, Neshoba County. Vehicular accident “Blamed…on last week’s winter weather.”
–1 MS, Oktibbeha Co., Starkville area, Feb 15. Man lost control of vehicle, icy road, overturned.
–1 MS, Warren County. Traffic accident. “Blamed…on last week’s winter weather.”
–1 MO, Sturgeon area, SW, Hwy 63, near Breedlove Rd. Snowplow hits pickup, male, 59.
–1 MO, Koshkonong area, Hwy M, Feb 14. Man, 67; passenger; vehicle slides off icy road.
–1 OH, Cleveland area, Cuyahoga County, Feb 16. Man hits ODOT snow plow truck, killed.
–1 OH, Troy Township, Bradner Rd., Feb 16. Mane plowing driveway with ATV, hit by car.
–1 OK, I-35, Braman area, Feb 15. Man lost control of car, hit by semi, then hit bridge railing.
–1 TX, Edgecliff Village, Ft. Worth, Feb 16. Passenger killed; driver lost control, hit light post.
–1 TX, Harris Co., I-10E, Feb 15. Vehicular; woman lost control, hit retaining wall, ice-glazed rd.

Not Noted (47)
–1 TN, Maury County. No details other than one death reported by TN Dept. of Health.
–2 TN, Sumner County. Cites Tennessee Department of Health. No details.
–1 TX, Armstrong Co. Feb 11-Mar 5. DSHS. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
–1 TX, Bandera County. Texas Dept. of State Health Services. News Update, 3-15-2021.
–1 TX, Bexar County, Feb 11-Mar 5. TX DSHS. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
–1 TX, Clay County. Texas DSHS. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
–2 TX, Coleman County. Texas DSHS. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
–1 TX, Ector Co. TX State Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
–2 TX, Ellis County. TX State Dept. Health Serv. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
–1 TX, Fayette Co. TX State Dept. Health Serv. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
–1 TX, Freestone Co. TX State Dept. Health Serv. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-15-2021.
–1 TX, Grayson County. TX Dept. Health Serv. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-15-2021.
–1 TX, Hale County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-15-2021.
–2 TX,, Henderson Co. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
–1 TX, Hill County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
–1 TX, Hopkins County. TX Dept. Health Serv. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-15-2021.
–1 TX, Hunt County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
–1 TX, Kaufman County. TX Dept. Health Serv. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
–1 TX, Kendall County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-15-2021.
–1 TX, Kerr County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
–1 TX, Lamar County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
–1 TX, Lavaca County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-15-2021.
–1 TX, Lee County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-15-2021.
–1 TX, Leon County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
–1 TX, Limestone County. TX Dept. Health Serv. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
–1 TX, McLennan County. TX Dept. Health Serv. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
–1 TX, Pecos County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-15-2021.
–1 TX, Rusk County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-15-2021.
–1 TX, Schleicher County. TX Dept. Health Serv. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
–1 TX, Sutton County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-15-2021.
–7 TX, Travis County. TX Dept. Health Serv. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
–1 TX, Trinity County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
–1 TX, Uvalde County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
–1 TX, Webb County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.
–1 TX, Wharton County. TX Dept. Health Serv. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-15-2021.
–2 TX, Wichita County. TX Dept. Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths.” 3-25-2021.

Narrative Information

TX Dept. of State Health Services. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths – March 15, 2021.”

“DSHS is tracking deaths related to the February winter storms that affected Texas and posting data that is preliminary and subject to change.

“There are three main ways DSHS is notified of disaster-related deaths:

• Medical certifiers submit a DSHS form specifying that a particular death was related to a disaster.
• Medical certifiers flag a death record as disaster related.
• DSHS epidemiologists match public reports of disaster-related deaths to death certificates.

“DSHS disaster epidemiologists continue to reconcile information about causes of death. The majority of verified deaths were associated with hypothermia. There have also been multiple deaths caused by motor vehicle accidents, carbon monoxide poisoning, medical equipment failure, falls, and fire. Deaths occurred between Feb. 11 and March 5.”
[There follows a breakout of deaths by 25 named counties.]

Sources

2News/WDTN.com (Allison Gens), Dayton. “ODOT urges caution after several plows hit, 1 fatality during winter storm.” 2-16-2021. Accessed 2-20-2021 at: https://www.wdtn.com/news/local-news/odot-urges-caution-after-several-plows-hit-1-fatality-during-winter-storm/

5NBCDFW (Holley Ford). “2 Bodies, Generator in ‘On Position’ Found Inside Garland Apartment After Bitter Cold Streak.” 2-19-2021. Accessed 2-20-2021 at: https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/2-garland-men-dead-of-possible-carbon-monoxide-poisoning/2557933/

5 News, Fort Smith/Fayetteville, AR. “Man dies after trying to save calf from frozen pond in Logan County.” 2-17-2021. Accessed 2-19-2021 at: https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/man-dies-after-trying-to-save-calf-from-frozen-pond-in-logan-county/527-84f9f35c-614d-450f-966c-cc99e22bbf93

10 WBNS, Columbus. “‘Terribly sad situation’: 71-year-old man’s body found outside Columbus homeless shelter.” 2-23-2021. Accessed 2-26-2021 at: https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/71-year-old-mans-body-found-outside-columbus-homeless-shelter/530-7199270f-b832-466b-a518-1f7d7f0bffe1

abc13 Eyewitness News (Maria Carter), Houston. “Couple whose only source of light was stove dies in fire during outage.” 2-25-2021. Accessed 2-27-2021 at: https://abc13.com/elderly-couple-dies-in-fire-virginia-and-benjamin-cooks-couples-home-on-winter-storm-men-try-to-rescue/10365225/

abc13 Eyewitness News, Houston “Family of 95-year-old who died during winter weather seeks lawsuit, attorney said.” 2-23-2021. Accessed 2-27-2021 at: https://abc13.com/doyle-austin-ercot-elderly-man-death-winter-storm/10362657/

abc13 Eyewitness News, Houston. “Galveston County winter-related death toll rises to 3, medical examiner confirms.” 2-19-2021. Accessed 2-19-2021 at: https://abc13.com/galveston-county-winter-storm-deaths-two-dead-from-cold-exposure-related-in-texas-2021/10351179/

Abilene Reporter News/Timothy Chipp. “Six deaths, including three in Abilene, reported in Taylor County due to weather.” 2-18-2021. Accessed 2-19-2021 at: https://www.reporternews.com/story/news/local/2021/02/18/weather-claims-6-lives-taylor-county-including-3-abilene-txwx-freezing-snow/4492224001/

Acadiana Advocate (Megan Wyatt), LA. “Elderly woman found dead in neighbor’s yard after leaving Lafayette home on freezing night.” 2-16-2021. Accessed 2-19-2021 at: https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/news/crime_police/article_39208e84-7068-11eb-a048-7ff855d41f40.html

Acadiana Advocate, LA. “Man, woman in Avoyelles die from carbon monoxide poisoning; winter storm death toll now at 5.” 2-20-2021. Accessed 2-20-2021 at: https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/news/article_b478b050-73b2-11eb-b498-b3202e39f8f8.html

AP (Associated Press) Jamie Stengle and Marion Renault. “Suspected hypothermia deaths in homes mount in Texas.” 2-20-2021. Accessed 2-20-2021 at: https://news.yahoo.com/suspected-hypothermia-deaths-homes-mount-185546742.html

ArkLaTex.com (Nancy Cook). “LDH [Louisiana Dept. of Health] confirms 2 death tied to winter storm, bringing state’s total to 3.” 2-17-2021. Accessed 2-19-2021 at: https://www.arklatexhomepage.com/news/ldh-confirms-2-deaths-tied-to-winter-storm-bringing-states-total-to-3/

Associated Press. “2 more deaths in Kentucky attributed to winter storms.” WSILTV.com. 2-23-2021. Accessed 2-26-2021 at: https://wsiltv.com/2021/02/23/2-more-deaths-in-kentucky-attributed-to-winter-storms/

Associated Press (Paul J. Weber and Jill Bleed). “100 million Americans brace for more cold, ice and snow.” 2-17-2021. Accessed 2-17-2021 at: https://apnews.com/article/100-million-americans-more-ice-snow-404012f8d8885259968b8d37b13899d6

Associated Press/Bryan Anderson. “Millions endure record cold without power; at least 20 dead.” 2-17-2021. Accessed 2-17-2021 at: https://apnews.com/article/winter-tornado-hits-north-carolina-2ca1ad6a57372ee2d409bc34897de96b

Associated Press. “The Latest: 2 dead in Texas amid subfreezing cold.” 2-16-2021. Accessed 2-17-2021 at: https://apnews.com/article/sioux-falls-la-crosse-wisconsin-dallas-winter-weather-1971137f6f5f0c28804a5021751c5b74

Austin American-Statesman. “Early Report: 57 Confirmed Dead from TX Freeze.” 3-15-2021. Accessed 3-16-2021 at: https://www.fireengineering.com/fire-ems/early-report-57-confirmed-dead-from-tx-freeze/#gref

CBS News (Villafranca). “Second major winter storm threatens wide swath of U.S. with millions still suffering after first.” 2-17-2021. Accessed 2-17-2021 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/second-winter-storm-coming-millions-suffering/

CBS News. “Winter storm devastates Texas as power outages continue.” 2-19-2021. Accessed 2-19-2021 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/texas-power-outages-winter-storm-devastation/

Clevescene.com (Vince Grzegorek). “Coroner Says 7 People Froze to Death in Cuyahoga County Since Feb. 1, Mostly in Homes Without Heat.” 2-18-2021. Accessed 2-20-2021 at: https://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2021/02/18/coroner-says-7-people-froze-to-death-in-cuyahoga-county-since-feb-1-mostly-in-homes-without-heat

Click2houston.com (Michael Lopardi). “Potential criminal charges in weather-related deaths in Galveston County.” 2-18-2021. Accessed 2-19-2021 at: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2021/02/19/potential-criminal-charges-in-weather-related-deaths-in-galveston-county/

Commercial Appeal/Dema Amro, Memphis, TN. “Ten-year-old boy who died near Millington was saving little sister from icy pond, pastor says.” 12-16-2021. Accessed 2-17-2021 at: https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/local/suburbs/2021/02/16/10-year-old-tennessee-boy-died-trying-save-sister-icy-pond/6764652002/

Cypress-Fairbanks Funeral Home. “Norah Louise Pledger.” Accessed 2-27-2021 at: https://www.cyfairfunerals.com/tributes/Norah-Pledger

Dallas Morning News (Krista M. Torralva) “Families sue Oncor after deaths of man from hypothermia, woman who couldn’t use oxygen machine during winter storm.” 3-3-2021. Accessed 3-4-2021 at: https://www.dallasnews.com/2021/03/03/families-sue-oncor-after-deaths-of-man-from-hypothermia-woman-who-couldnt-use-oxygen-machine-during-winter-storm/

Dallas Morning News (Krista M. Torralva). “Will Texas ever figure out how many people died in the winter storm?” 3-1-2021. Accessed 3-1-2021 at: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2021/03/01/will-texas-ever-figure-out-how-many-people-died-in-the-winter-storm/

Echovita Obituaries. “Edward Orton.” Accessed 2-27-2021 at: https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/tx/houston/edward-orton-12346092

Fort Worth Star-Telegram, TX/James Hartley. “Man killed, two injured in possible weather-related car crash near Fort Worth.” 2-16-2021. Accessed 2-17-2021 at: https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/fort-worth/article249301285.html

Fox17, WZTV, Nashville. “Eight Tennesseans died due to winter storms.” 2-19-2021. Accessed 2-19-2021 at: https://fox17.com/news/local/eight-tennesseans-have-died-due-to-winter-storms

Fox 17, WZTV, Nashville. “Farmer in Dickson County dies trying to save cows in frozen pond.” 2-18-2021. Accessed 2-19-2021 at: https://fox17.com/news/local/farmer-in-dickson-county-dies-trying-to-save-cows-in-frozen-pond

Fox 29 (Gerald Trach), San Antonio. “Man claims CPS Energy is responsible for wife’s freezing death during winter storm.” 3-3-2021. Accessed 3-4-2021 at: https://foxsanantonio.com/newsletter-daily/man-claims-cps-energy-responsible-for-wifes-freezing-death-during-winter-storm-san-antonio

Fox News/Audrey Conklin. “84-year-old Texas woman who lost Army vet son to COVID-19 dies of hypothermia.” 2-19-2021. Accessed 2-19-2021 at: https://www.foxnews.com/us/84-texas-woman-hypothermia

Harris County Sheriff’s Advisory. 2-15-2021 twitter. Accessed 2-17-2021 at: https://twitter.com/HCSOTexas/status/1361437572501803013

Herald Leader/Karla Ward, Lexington. “Second Jy. Death attributed to cold weather; Some will be without electricity through end of week.” 2-19-2021. Accessed 2-26-2021 at: https://www.kentucky.com/news/state/kentucky/article249387505.html

Houston Chronicle (Alejandro Serrano). “At least 12 die in weather-related incidents across Houston area.” 2-16-2021. Accessed 2-27-2021 at: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-weather/article/At-least-10-die-in-weather-related-incidents-15954041.php

Houston Chronicle. “Elderly woman found dead near the front door of Houston church, police say.” 2-21-2021. Accessed 2-21-2021 at: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Elderly-woman-found-dead-near-the-front-door-of-15966364.php

Houston Chronicle (Samantha Ketterer). “ERCOT sued over 2 deaths in storm. Hypothermia cited in Acres Homes cases.” 2-27-2021, p.3. Accessed 2-27-2021 at: https://digital.olivesoftware.com/olive/ODN/HoustonChronicle/Default.aspx

Houston Chronicle (Alejandro Serrano, Nick Powell). “More than two dozen people have died in the Houston area due to the cold weather.” 2-19-2021. Accessed 2-20-2021 at: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-weather/article/Area-deaths-tied-to-cold-weather-15963290.php

Houston Chronicle (Brooke A. Lewis). “Six more winter storm-related deaths reported in Harris County.” 2-22-2021. Accessed 2-23-2021 at: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Six-more-winter-storm-related-deaths-reported-in-15970531.php

Houston Chronicle (Alejandro Serrano, Zach Despart). “Those who died across the Houston region during the frigid weather.” 2-26-2021. Accessed 2-27-2021 at: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Those-who-died-across-the-Houston-region-during-15983522.php

Houston Chronicle. “Those who died in the freeze.” 2-28-2021, A9. Accessed 2-28-2021 at: https://digital.olivesoftware.com/olive/ODN/HoustonChronicle/Default.aspx

Houston Chronicle (Nick Powell, Alejandro Serrano, Brooke A Lewis). “Toll of harsh winter weather comes into focus as reported deaths climb sharply.” 2-18-2021. Accessed 2-19-2021 at: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/neighborhood/galveston/article/Harsh-weather-suspected-in-2-Galveston-County-15960529.php

Houston Chronicle (Zach Despart, Alejandro Serrano). “Winter storm’s death toll rivals Harvey, with count still rising from hypothermia, carbon monoxide.” 2-26-2021. Accessed 2-26-2021 at: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-weather/article/winter-storm-death-toll-houston-harvey-weather-15982990.php?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=HC_AfternoonReport&utm_term=news&utm_content=headlines&sid=60314dc6cfe96c0ee73919c1#

Insider (Erin Snodgrass). “One Texas county has reported at least 10 hypothermia deaths due to extreme winter weather, official says.” 2-19-2021. Accessed 2-19-2021 at: https://www.insider.com/one-texas-county-reported-hypothermia-deaths-in-the-last-week-2021-2

KENS5.com. “BCSO [Bexar County Sheriffs’ Office]: Weather conditions may have caused death of 78-year-old man who was found outside. This comes as snow blanketed the City of San Antonio, surrounding areas overnight into Monday morning.” 2-15-2021. Accessed 2-17-2021 at: https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/public-safety/sheriff-salazar-to-provide-update-on-bcsos-response-to-winter-storm/273-f2142ce0-2cd8-443a-b816-daf7187079d6

KENS5. “There was a human cost to last week’s winter storm: 16 froze to death in Harris County.” 2-24-2021. Accessed 2-27-2021 at: https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/winter-storm-deaths-in-harris-county/285-287d2893-bd93-4f17-a6dc-6729c7d905c2

KHOU 11/Cory McCord, Houston. “At least 3 dead from hypothermia in Harris County.” 2-18-2021. Accessed 2-19-2021 at: https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/harris-county-weather-deaths/285-dc6ca323-883f-4b77-9017-5fb892f795ab

KHOU 11, Houston (Clara Rouge). “At least 25 Harris County deaths linked to winter freeze.” 3-2-2021. Accessed 3-3-2021 at: https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/harris-county-texas-winter-freeze-deaths/285-23a2c5da-6724-4001-8752-c853800f5fac

KHOU 11, Houston. “HPD: Woman, little girl die from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by car running in garage to keep warm.” 2-16-2021. Accessed 2-17-2021 at: https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/woman-little-girl-die-from-carbon-monoxide-poisoning-8300-la-roche-southwest-houston/285-18658b89-577e-4754-87ec-0d6cbd6358dc

KMIZ/Matt Ragsdale. “Moberly man dies in crash with snowplow.” ABC 17 News, 2-16-2021. Accessed 2-17-2021 at: https://abc17news.com/news/boone/2021/02/16/moberly-man-dies-in-crash-with-snowplow/

KOCO News 5abc. “Homeless man found dead in Oklahoma City amid extreme winter weather.” 2-17-2021. Accessed 2-17-2021 at: https://www.koco.com/article/homeless-man-found-dead-in-oklahoma-city-amid-extreme-winter-weather/35539957

KOCO news 5abc. “Man killed in crash involving semi-truck in northern Oklahoma.” 2-14-2021. Accessed 2-17-2021 at: https://www.koco.com/article/homeless-man-found-dead-in-oklahoma-city-amid-extreme-winter-weather/35539957

KSAT.com. “Man dies from possible cold exposure in North Bexar County, Sheriff Salazar says.”2-16-2021. Accessed 2-20-2021 at: https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2021/02/16/man-dies-from-possible-cold-exposure-in-north-bexar-county-sheriff-salazar-says/

KTAB/KRBC (Erica Garner), BigCountryHomepage.com. “3 dead in Abilene, 3 in rural Taylor County during power outages and cold weather.” 2-18-2021. Accessed 2-19-2021 at: https://www.bigcountryhomepage.com/weather/3-dead-during-power-outages-in-taylor-county-cold-weather-suspected-cause/

KTAL/KMSS, Shreveport, LA. “Caddo Parish man who died during winter storm identified.” 2-25-2021. Accessed 2-26-2021 at: https://www.arklatexhomepage.com/news/local-news/caddo-parish-man-who-died-during-winter-storm-identified/

KTSA 107.1 (Elizabeth Ruiz), San Antonio. “69-year-old Man Found Dead in Home With No Power, No Heat.” 2-18-2021. Accessed 2-28-2021 at: https://www.ktsa.com/69-year-old-man-found-dead-in-home-with-no-power-no-heat/

KTUL (Cassidy Mudd), Tulsa. “Oklahoma teenager falls through ice, dies trying to save her dog from frozen pond.” 2-19-2021. Accessed 2-19-2021 at: https://abc3340.com/news/nation-world/oklahoma-teenager-falls-through-ice-dies-trying-to-save-her-dog-from-frozen-pond-02-19-2021

KTXS 12abc (Jamie Burch), Abilene. “3 weather-related deaths in Abilene including man who ‘froze to death’ in his home.” 2-18-2021. Accessed 2-19-2021 at: https://ktxs.com/news/local/three-weather-related-deaths-in-abilene

KWCH12, Wichita. “Report: Woman found dead in Cowley County after wandering out into cold.” 2-16-2021. Accessed 2-20-2021 at: https://www.kwch.com/2021/02/17/report-woman-found-dead-in-cowley-county-after-wandering-out-into-cold/

KWTX 10 (Paul J. Gately). Waco. “Son of Central Texas man who died after losing power during freeze files lawsuit.” 3-3-2021. Accessed 3-4-2021 at: https://www.kwtx.com/2021/03/03/son-of-central-texas-man-who-died-after-losing-power-during-freeze-files-lawsuit/

KXAN (Jaclyn Ramkissoon, Russell Falcon), Austin. “64-year-old Williamson County resident dies from hypothermia during winter storms.” 2-19-2021. Accessed 2-28-2021 at: https://www.kxan.com/news/local/williamson-county/williamson-county-confirms-death-of-64-year-old-man-during-winter-storms/

KXAN (Alyssa Goard), Austin. “A woman in a tent died at Austin’s state homeless camp during the winter storm.” 2-22-2021. Accessed 2-28-2021 at: https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/a-woman-in-a-tent-died-at-austins-state-homeless-camp-during-the-winter-storm/?ipid=related-recirc&utm_campaign=custom%20navigation&utm_source=promo%20link&utm_medium=desktop

KXAN (Sydney Kalich, Ji Suk Yi, Haley Townsend, Albert Ramon), Austin. “At least 49 dead amid winter weather, power outages as storm moves east.” 2-18-2021. Accessed 2-19-2021 at: https://www.kxan.com/news/texas/at-least-46-dead-amid-winter-weather-power-outages-as-storm-moves-east/

KXAN (Alyssa Goard), Austin. “How many Texans died in the winter storms? It may take months to find out.” 2-24-2021. Accessed 2-28-2021 at: https://www.kxan.com/news/how-many-texans-died-in-the-winter-storms-it-may-take-months-to-find-out/

KXLF4/Scripps National. “Boy, 11, dies in bed after Texas home loses power, family suspects hypothermia.” 2-19-2021. Accessed 2-19-2021 at: https://www.kxlf.com/news/national/boy-11-dies-in-bed-after-texas-home-loses-power-family-suspects-hypothermia

Louisiana Department of Health. “Louisiana Department of Health confirms storm-related death, urges safe use of generators during extreme” 2-15-2021. Accessed 2-17-2021 at 2-17-2021 at: https://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/6029

Memesita. “Cotton Candy Seller Dies in Winter Storm; family in Mexico managed to avoid being sent to a mass grave.” 2-26-2021. Accessed 2-28-2021 at: https://www.memesita.com/cotton-candy-seller-dies-in-winter-storm-family-in-mexico-managed-to-avoid-being-sent-to-a-mass-grave/

Memphis Commercial Appeal/Dima Amro. “10-year-old boy dies after falling into icy pond near Millington; sister critical., 2-15-2021. Accessed 2-17-2021 at: https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/local/2021/02/15/boy-killed-sister-injured-falling-into-icy-pond-near-memphis/6753922002/

Memphis Commercial Appeal/Micaela A Watts. “Medical examiners investigating three deaths possibly caused by hypothermia.” 2-16-2021. Accessed 2-19-2021 at: https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/2021/02/16/medical-examiner-office-memphis-investigating-hypothermia-related-deaths/6771906002/

Morales Funeral Home. “Esperanza Pena.” Accessed 2-27-2021 at: https://www.moralesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Esperanza-Pena/?redirected=1#!/Obituary

New York Times. “At Least 23 People Dead in Storm-Related Incidents.” 2-16-2021. Accessed 2-17-2021 at: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/16/us/winter-snow-storm-death-toll.html

New York Times (Guilia McDonnell Nieto del Rio, Richard Fausset, Johnny Diaz). “Extreme Cold Killed Texans in Their Bedrooms, Vehicles and Backyards.” 2-19-2021. Accessed 2-20-2021 at: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/19/us/texas-deaths-winter-storm.html

New York Times. “Live Updates: Millions Endure Days Without Power; and a New Storm Arrives.” 2-17-2021. Accessed 2-17-2021 at: https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/02/17/us/winter-storm-weather-live

New York Times. “Power Is Still Off for Millions After Winter Storm.” 2-17-2021. Accessed 2-17-2021 at: https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/02/16/us/winter-storm-weather-live

News Break. “Pair killed when car skids on icy road, ends up in water.” WTVQ, 2-16-2021. Accessed 2-17-2021 at: https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2164468273155/pair-killed-when-car-skids-on-icy-road-ends-up-in-water

News Break. “Passenger killed when vehicle slides off road.” 2-14-2021. Accessed 2-17-2021 at: https://www.newsbreak.com/news/accident/2164869901989/passenger-killed-when-vehicle-slides-off-road
WSAZ News. Huntington, WV. “Victim in fatal I-64 crash in Kentucky identified.” 2-15-2021. Accessed 2-17-2021 at: https://www.wsaz.com/2021/02/15/ice-causes-fatal-crash-on-i-64-in-kentucky/

NewsChannel5, Nashville. “Weather-related deaths in Tenn. increase to 10 during winter storms.” 2-19-2021. Accessed 2-20-2021 at: https://www.newschannel5.com/news/weather-related-deaths-in-tenn-increase-to-8-during-winter-storms

PBS News Hour. “Biden surveys damage of severe winter weather in Texas.” 2-26-2021. Accessed 2-26-2021 at: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/biden-surveys-damage-of-severe-winter-weather-in-texas

People (Gabrielle Chung). “9-Year-Old Tennessee Boy Dies from Sledding Accident After Snow Tube Crashes into Mailbox.” 2-17-2021. Accessed 2-19-2021 at: https://people.com/human-interest/tennessee-boy-dies-sledding-accident-snow-tube-crashes-into-mailbox/

Raw Story (Bob Brigham). “Texas county needs refrigerated truck to handle surge of dead bodies from winter storm: report.” 2-16-2021. Accessed 3-6-2021 at: https://www.rawstory.com/texas-power-outage-blackout-deaths/

Texas Department of State Health Services. News Updates. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths – March 15, 2021.” Accessed 3-16-2021 at: https://dshs.texas.gov/news/updates.shtm#wn

Texas Department of State Health Services. News Updates. “Winter Storm-Related Deaths – March 25, 2021.” Accessed 3-26-2021 at: https://dshs.texas.gov/news/updates.shtm#wn

Texas Tribune (Juan Pablo Garnham), Austin. “At least six people experiencing homelessness died during the winter storm. That number could rise.” 2-22-2021. Accessed 2-28-2021 at: https://www.texastribune.org/2021/02/22/texas-winter-storm-homeless-deaths/

Texas Tribune (Sami Sparber), Houston. “Winter Storm Caused At Least 57 Deaths, With Most Fatalities Resulting From Hypothermia.” 3-15-2021. Accessed 3-16-2021 at: https://patch.com/texas/houston/winter-storm-caused-least-57-deaths-most-fatalities-resulting-hypothermia

The Daily News/John Wayne Ferguson, Galveston County, TX. “Three Galveston County deaths connected to bitter cold, power outages.” 2-18-2021. Accessed 2-19-2021 at: https://www.galvnews.com/news/free/article_eea71517-ae94-5491-a3c2-ba4c4fbbb95b.html

The Hill. “Death toll from winter weather rises to at least 40: AP.” 2-18-2021. Accessed 2-19-2021 at: https://thehill.com/homenews/news/539522-death-toll-from-winter-weather-rises-to-at-least-40-ap

The Hill/Joseph Choi, Washington, DC. “Medical examiner investigating whether 17 Dallas-area deaths are linked to winter storm.” 2-24-2021. Accessed 2-28-2021 at: https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/540258-medical-examiner-investigating-whether-17-dallas-area-deaths-are-linked

Wall Street Journal (Elizabeth Findell). “Full Death Toll From Texas Storm Could Take Months to Determine.” 2-23-2021. Accessed 2-24-2021 at: https://www.wsj.com/articles/full-death-toll-from-texas-storm-could-take-months-to-determine-11614107708

Washington Post. “A boy who fell through ice, a woman who lost power: 47 deaths tied to winter storms – and counting.” 2-18-2021. Accessed 2-19-2021 at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/02/18/winter-storm-deaths/

WJZ 13, CBS Baltimore. “34 Cold-Related Deaths Reported in Maryland So Far This Season, Health Department Says.” 2-26-2021. Accessed 2-26-2021 at: https://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2021/02/26/34-cold-related-deaths-reported-in-maryland-so-far-this-season-health-department-says/

WKRN.com/John Breslow, Nashville. “70-year-old man dies trying to get help after days without power in Overton County.” 2-19-2021. Accessed 2-19-2021 at: https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/70-year-old-man-dies-trying-to-get-help-after-days-without-power-in-overton-county/

WKRN, Nashville. “TDH: 6 people dead from winter storm in Tennessee.” 2-18-2021. Accessed 2-19-2021 at: https://www.wkrn.com/weather/severe-weather/tdh-6-people-dead-from-winter-storm-in-tennessee/

WKRN.com, Nashville. “‘They basically froze to death’, Two Portland residents die in winter weather.” 2-22-2021. Accessed 2-26-2021 at: https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/they-basically-froze-to-death-two-portland-residents-die-in-winter-weather/

WTVA (Zac Carlisle), Jackson, MS. “Five dead in Mississippi from winter storms, MEMA updates.” 2-23-2021. Accessed 2-26-2021 at: https://www.wtva.com/content/state/Five-dead-in-Mississippi-from-winter-storms-MEMA-updates-573854931.html

WTVG 13abc Action News/Jeremy Schneider, Toledo, OH. “Man dies after being struck by car while plowing driveway.” 2-16-2021. Accessed 2-17-2021 at: https://www.13abc.com/2021/02/16/man-dies-after-being-struck-by-car-while-plowing-driveway/

WTVQ, ABC 36, Lexington, KY. “Update: Georgia man killed in I-75 crash in Rockcastle County.” 2-15-2021. Accessed 2-17-2021 at: https://www.wtvq.com/2021/02/15/travel-alert-deadly-accident-impacting-traffic-on-i-75-in-rockcastle-and-laurel-counties/

WWJ.950 News Radio. “Coast Guard fails to find man who fell through ice near Belle Isle on Detroit River.” 2-18-2021. Accessed 2-18-2021 at: