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–10 CNN. “9 children, 1 adult killed…accident involving Alabama Girls Ranch vehicle.” 6-20-2021.
–10 Robinson/Gray. “9 children, 1 adult killed in Alabama crash…Butler County…” 6-19-2021
–10 WVTM13. “9 children…one adult dead…pileup…on I-65 in Butler County…” 6-20-2021.

Narrative Information

Robinson and Gray: “A crash on Interstate 65 in Butler County Saturday killed 10 people, nine of them ranging in age from 9-months-old to teenagers. Those killed were in a Tallapoosa County Girls Ranch vehicle and a small SUV, said Butler County Coroner Wayne Garlock. The vehicles involved in the crash were thought to have hydroplaned, officials said…. [Tropical Storm Claudette “dumped heavy rain across the Southeast on Saturday after it came ashore in southeastern Louisiana early that morning.”]

“The victims in the SUV were identified as Cody Fox, 29, and Ariana Fox. They were travelling from Marion County, Tennessee. Garlock said it appeared Cody Fox worked for the emergency management agency in his home county. Cody Fox was pronounced dead on the scene; Ariana died at the Regional Medical Center in Greenville. A native of Bryant, Alabama, Fox was the fire chief at New Hope (Tennessee) Volunteer Fire Department and plant operation manager at Tennessee Tub Factory. He lived in South Pittsburg, Tenn. His fiancé, Hayle Anderson, was injured in the wreck, family members confirmed on social media….

“The young people killed [Tallapoosa County Girls Ranch] ranged in age from 4-17, Garlock said, and many hailed from Reeltown in Tallapoosa County. Garlock would not release their names because many were in the care of the state.

“The driver who was pulled to safety was identified as Candice Gully, director of the Tallapoosa County facility, according to Michael Smith, CEO of the Alabama Sheriff’s Youth Ranches. Candice Gully’s son and daughter and her two nephews were among the dead….

“Girls from the facility were travelling in two vehicles on the way back from a trip to Gulf Shores, Smith said. The vehicle in front was involved in the deadly crash and the girls in the second vehicle did not see the carnage of the wreck, Smith said….

“The children who were killed were a combination of foster children, privately placed children and family members of chaperones, Smith said.

“Butler County Sheriff Danny Bond said the accident involved 18 vehicles — two of them 18-wheelers — and about four or five other people suffered nonfatal injuries….

“Alabama Law Enforcement Agency was notified at approximately 2:30 p.m. Saturday of a multi-vehicle crash on I-65 northbound at the 138 mile marker in Butler County….

“The girls’ ranch serves as a foster home for girls from abusive or abandonment situations, and it is supported by the sheriffs of Lee, Chambers and Tallapoosa counties. The ranch is located on Girls Ranch Road between Auburn and Lake Martin….”

WVTM 13: “Butler County, Ala. – UPDATE Sunday afternoon:

“The Butler County Coroner said the horrific crash happened during a rain storm when a vehicle hydroplaned on the bridge near the 138 mile marker in northbound lanes of I-65. This caused a chain reaction involving up to 15 vehicles. Since it was on a small bridge there was nowhere for the cars to go except forward into other vehicles.

“A bus belonging to the Alabama Sheriff Youth Services caught fire in the crash. It was carrying 8 children from ages 4-17 and one adult, who was driving. A bystander was able to pull the driver out to safety. Then he went back to try to rescue the children but the fire and smoke was too much and he could not help them. All the children perished at the scene.

“Two other fatalities were people in a black SUV, 9-month-old Ariana Fox and her father Cody Fox, age 29. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. The baby was taken to Regional Medical Center of Greenville where she was pronounced deceased at the emergency room.

“There were multiple other people in other vehicles who were injured. They were taken to various hospitals. None of those injuries were life-threatening….

“The children’s ages range from nine months to 17 years….

“The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency reported the major crash on I-65 northbound at mile marker 138 during the afternoon. That’s just southwest of Montgomery.

The Weather Channel. “Claudette Blamed in a Dozen Deaths in Alabama.” 6-20-2021”

“A man [24] and a 3-year-old child died when a tree fell on their home near Tuscaloosa, officials said.

“Ten more people died in a crash that may have been caused by the storm, a coroner said.

“A tornado destroyed or damaged 50 homes in Brewton and East Brewton, Alabama.

Sources

CNN. “9 children, 1 adult killed in interstate accident involving Alabama Girls Ranch vehicle.” 6-20-2021. Accessed 6-20-2021 at: https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/20/us/alabama-crash-10-killed-girls-ranch/index.html

Opelika-Auburn News/Timothy Noordermeer. “Tallapoosa County Sheriffs’ Girls Ranch’s new director invested in the future of residents.” 10-29-2019. Accessed 6-20-2021 at: https://oanow.com/news/local/tallapoosa-county-sheriffs-girls-ranch-s-new-director-invested-in-the-future-of-residents/article_c605342a-c28c-11e9-8e51-27e809323b80.html

Robinson, Carol and Jeremy Gray. “9 children, 1 adult killed in Alabama crash: ‘The most horrific accident in Butler County history.” al.com, 6-19-2021. Accessed 6-20-2021 at: https://www.al.com/news/2021/06/alabama-state-troopers-seek-information-on-deadly-butler-county-i-65-crash.html

The Weather Channel. “Claudette Blamed in a Dozen Deaths in Alabama.” 6-20-2021. Accessed 6-20-2021 at: https://weather.com/news/news/2021-06-20-tropical-storm-claudette-two-deaths-alabama-florida-homes-damaged-flooding

WVTM13, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, AL. “9 children and one adult dead after pileup crash on I-65 in Butler County, Alabama.” 6-20-2021. Accessed 6-20-2021 at: https://www.wvtm13.com/article/reported-fatalities-in-multi-vehicle-crash-on-i-65-in-butler-county/36775362#

–10 AP. “San Jose…gunman appeared to target some victims, said he hated work years ago.” 5-27-2021.

Narrative Information (Chronological)

May 26, Los Angeles Times: “San Jose – In California’s largest mass shooting this year, a gunman killed eight people at a San Jose light rail yard Wednesday morning before dying of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said.

“The gunman set his own house on fire before he drove to a Valley Transportation Authority union meeting and began shooting, law enforcement sources said. Officials said the victims were shot in two different buildings.

“The shooter was identified by sources as Samuel Cassidy, 57, a maintenance worker at the VTA….

“Deputies did not exchange gunfire with the suspect, Davis said [Deputy Russell Davis, Santa Clara Sheriff’s Dept.], noting that the preliminary assumption is that he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

“Early indications are that the shooting was related to a workplace issue and that it did not involve riders of Santa Clara County’s light rail system, sources said.

“At Cassidy’s beige stucco three-bedroom home on Angmar Court in San Jose, investigators discovered firearms and a large amount of ammunition, according to sources….

“Cassidy had worked at the light rail yard for at least eight years, according to public records. According to a law enforcement source, Cassidy shot virtually everyone on the morning shift, including some he had worked with for years.

“His ex-wife filed a restraining order against him in 2009, according to court records….

“San Jose Fire Dept. Battalion Chief Jeff Fielding said firefighters responded to a blaze at the gunman’s home at 6:36 a.m. No one was home….

“Two shooting victims were taken to the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, hospital spokeswoman Joy Alexiou said. One was pronounced dead on arrival, and the other is in critical condition….

“Officials said they received multiple 911 calls around 6:35 a.m. from witnesses who reported hearing shots ring out at the VTA rail yard on West Younger Avenue near downtown San Jose….

“California’s deadliest so far this year, the mass shooting was the 231st in the United States in 2021, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines mass shootings as incidents in which four or more people — not including the assailant — are killed or injured….”

May 27, AP: “San Jose, Calif. – A gunman who killed nine people at a California rail yard appeared to target some of the victims, a sheriff told The Associated Press on Thursday, while a Biden administration official said he spoke of hating his workplace when customs officers detained him after a 2016 trip to the Philippines.

“The shooter arrived at the light rail facility for the Valley Transportation Authority in San Jose around 6 a.m. Wednesday with a duffel bag carrying two semi-automatic handguns and 11 high-capacity magazines, Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith said in an interview. “It appears to us at this point that he said to one of the people there: ‘I’m not going to shoot you,'” Smith said. “And then he shot other people. So I imagine there was some kind of thought on who he wanted to shoot.”

“While there are no cameras inside the rail yard’s two buildings, Smith said footage captured him moving from one location to the next. It took deputies six minutes from the first 911 calls to find the gunman on the third floor of one of the buildings, Smith said.

“He killed himself as deputies closed in on the facility serving the county of more than 1 million people in the heart of Silicon Valley. More than 100 people were there at the time, and authorities found five victims in one building and two in another, Smith said.

“Authorities do not yet know whether the gunman had worked regularly with any of the victims. Investigators were serving search warrants on his home and cellphone, seeking to determine what prompted the bloodshed, the sheriff said….

“The attacker was identified as 57-year-old Samuel Cassidy, according to two law enforcement officials…

“Cassidy had a memo book with notes on how he hated the Valley Transportation Authority, according to a Biden administration official who described a Department of Homeland Security memo that laid out Cassidy’s statements. The official saw the memo and detailed its contents to The Associated Press but was not authorized to speak publicly about an ongoing investigation. The memo said he had books about “terrorism and fear and manifestos” but when he was asked whether he had issues with people at work he said no.

“The memo doesn’t say why he was stopped after his 2016 trip. It notes that Cassidy had a ‘minor criminal history’ and cites a 1983 incident where he was arrested in San Jose and charged with ‘misdemeanor obstruction/resisting a peace officer.’

“Cassidy’s ex-wife said he had talked about killing people at work more than a decade ago. ‘I never believed him, and it never happened. Until now,’ a tearful Cecilia Nelms told the AP on Wednesday [26th]. She said he used to come home from work resentful and angry over what he perceived as unfair assignments. ‘He could dwell on things,’ she said. The two were married for about 10 years until a 2005 divorce filing, and she hadn’t been in touch with Cassidy for about 13 years, Nelms said….

“…in court documents filed in 2009, an ex-girlfriend described him as volatile and violent, with major mood swings because of bipolar disorder that became worse when he drank heavily. Several times while he was drunk, Cassidy forced himself on her sexually despite her refusals, pinning her arms with his body weight, the woman said in a sworn statement filed after Cassidy sought a restraining order against her. The documents were obtained by the San Francisco Chronicle….

“The death toll rose from eight after officials confirmed the death late Wednesday of 49-year-old Alex Ward Fritch, who had been hospitalized in critical condition after the attack.

“The three handguns he had appear to be legal, sheriff’s officials said. Authorities do not yet know how he obtained them. He also had 11 high-capacity magazines, each with 12 rounds. In California, it is illegal to buy magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. However, if Cassidy had obtained them before Jan. 1, 2000, he would be allowed to have them unless he was otherwise prohibited from possessing firearms.

“The sheriff said authorities found explosives at the gunman’s home, where investigators believe he had set a timer or slow-burn device so that a fire would occur at the same time as the shooting. Flames were reported minutes after the first 911 calls came in from the rail facility….

“The shooting killed employees who had been bus and light rail operators, mechanics, linemen and an assistant superintendent over the course of their careers.

“They were Alex Ward Fritch, 49; Paul Delacruz Megia, 42; Taptejdeep Singh, 36; Adrian Balleza, 29; Jose Dejesus Hernandez, 35; Timothy Michael Romo, 49; Michael Joseph Rudometkin, 40; Abdolvahab Alaghmandan, 63, and Lars Kepler Lane, 63….

“It was the 15th mass killing in the U.S. this year, all shootings that claimed at least four lives each for a total of 87 deaths, according to a database compiled by The Associated Press, USA Today and Northeastern University….” (AP. “San Jose shooting gunman appeared to target some victims, said he hated work years ago. 9 victims killed in shooting.” 5-27-2021.)

May 28, LA Times: “….Emerging reports Friday also indicated that Cassidy may have been facing a disciplinary hearing at the agency, where he worked as a maintenance worker for the last eight years. But representatives for VTA said he was not scheduled for a disciplinary hearing Wednesday ‘or any other upcoming or prior date.’ He was scheduled to report for a regular shift the day of the shooting….

“A source at the agency said that Cassidy had ‘gone off’ on managers in the Operations Control Center about three weeks before the shooting when they called on him to perform emergency maintenance work and that he had told them he wouldn’t fix anything until they fixed his paychecks. The second building where he was headed before encountering sheriff’s deputies housed the Operations Control Center, according to the source….

“Cassidy, who authorities said took his own life when deputies confronted him, was armed with three semiautomatic 9-millimeter handguns and 32 high-capacity magazines loaded with additional ammunition. Officials said he fired 39 shots….
“A VTA clerical worker, who wished to remain anonymous because she was advised not to speak to the media, said the first building houses the ways, power and signal team and the second building includes operations and light rail maintenance. Based on the first building’s layout and exit locations, she said, the victims would have had ‘nowhere to go.’….” (Los Angeles Times. “San Jose shooter had 12 guns, 25,000 rounds of ammunition at home, sheriff says.” 5-28-2021.)

May 28, abc7news.com (Dan Noyes) San Francisco: “San Jose, Calif. (KGO) — South Bay officials are confirming to the ABC7 I-Team that federal officials did not contact the VTA or law enforcement after US Customs detained Samuel Cassidy in 2016 and found books on terrorism and a notebook of his complaints against the transit agency.

“ABC7 News is hearing reports that coworkers worried about Cassidy’s anger issues and his collection of guns. It is an essential question – were warning signs ignored?

“The I-Team has confirmed information first reported by the Wall Street Journal that the mass murderer was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection after a 2016 trip to the Philippines. Authorities found books on terrorism and a notebook listing complaints about the VTA in the suspect’s possession. Customs and the agency that oversees it, the Department of Homeland Security, have not responded to several calls and emails asking whether that information ever reached the VTA.

“But, Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen addressed it in our interview late Friday. ‘There’s no indication that Homeland Security shared that information from 2016 with anyone in local law enforcement. It was not shared with the DA’s office, certainly, that is the kind of information that may be useful to law enforcement,’ said Rosen.

“Both the VTA and Cassidy’s union are denying published reports that he faced a disciplinary hearing on the day he opened fire. Amalgamated Transit Union President John Courtney wrote, ‘I wish to make it crystal clear that the ATU Local 265 officials who were at the site of this unfathomable tragedy were not, repeat not, there to attend any disciplinary or Skelly Rights hearings or to respond to any jobsite or racial-oriented complaints.’

“We are also hearing reports that coworkers were concerned about Cassidy’s combination of anger issues and his collection of weapons. Rosen told us, they’ve checked and no complaints came into local law enforcement or the DA’s office about Cassidy before Wednesday’s mass shooting. Anyone could have tipped authorities to the potential danger, under the state’s red flag laws. ‘Law enforcement will immediately investigate that, they will work quickly with the DA’s Office, we’ll get in front of a judge, and when we get a restraining order, we will immediately remove those guns,’ said Rosen.

“The VTA also confirmed Friday that Cassidy did not face a disciplinary hearing the day of the shooting or in the past. And he had no hearings scheduled for the future.” (abc7news.com (Dan Noyes), San Francisco. “Feds failed to tell VTA, law enforcement about San Jose shooter’s detention in 2016, officials say.” 5-28-2021.)

May 29, BBC: “The man who killed nine people in California this week had 12 firearms, more than 20 cans of petrol, and approximately 22,000 rounds of ammunition at his house, police say….

“Guns were hidden in crawl spaces and doorways, a spokesman told reporters at a press conference. The home was ‘very cluttered’, he said.

“Officers also said Cassidy had put bullets in a cooking pot on the stove, which detonated and set the house on fire. An FBI agent quoted by Reuters news agency said this blaze probably destroyed evidence which could have helped provide a motive for the shooting.” (“San Jose shooting: Guns, petrol and 220,000 rounds of ammunition found.”)

Sources

abc7news.com (Dan Noyes), San Francisco. “Feds failed to tell VTA, law enforcement about San Jose shooter’s detention in 2016, officials say.” 5-28-2021. Accessed 5-29-2021 at: https://abc7news.com/vta-shooting-san-jose-samuel-cassidy-us-customs-mass/10710930/

Associated Press (Terence Chea, Janie Har and Stefanie Dazio). “San Jose shooting gunman appeared to target some victims, said he hated work years ago. 9 victims killed in shooting.” 5-27-2021. Accessed 5-27-2021 at: https://www.kcra.com/article/san-jose-shooting-may-27/36556764

BBC News. US & Canada. “San Jose shooting: Guns, petrol and 220,000 rounds of ammunition found.” 5-29-2021. Accessed 5-29-2021 at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-57293174

Los Angeles Times. “Nine dead, including gunman, in San Jose rail yard mass shooting.” 5-26-2021. Accessed 5-26-2021 at: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-05-26/police-swarm-active-shooter-incident-in-san-jose

Los Angeles Times (Hayley Smith, Richard Winton, Leila Miller, Lila Seidman). “San Jose shooter had 12 guns, 25,000 rounds of ammunition at home, sheriff says.” 5-28-2021. Accessed 5-29-2021 at: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-05-28/san-jose-gunman-faced-disciplinary-hearing-before-shooting

–9 Associated Press. “Police trying to identify gunman, motive in FedEx shooting. 4-16-2021.
–9 NYT. “FedEx Gunman Bought 2 Rifles After Police Seized His Shotgun…” 4-18-2021.

Narrative Information

April 16, AP: “Indianapolis (AP) — Police were working Friday to identify a gunman and determine his motive for opening fire at a FedEx facility near the Indianapolis airport, killing eight people and taking his own life in the latest mass shooting to rock the U.S. Deputy Chief Craig McCartt of the Indianapolis police said the gunman started randomly shooting at people in the parking lot late Thursday night and then went into the building, where he shot himself shortly before police entered the facility. McCartt said four people were killed outside the building and another four inside. Several people were also wounded, including five taken to the hospital. The carnage took just a couple of minutes. “It did not last very long,” he said….” (Associated Press (Casey Smith). “Police trying to identify gunman, motive in FedEx shooting. 4-16-2021.)

April 17, Indianapolis Star: “Indianapolis police have identified the eight people killed in the mass shooting Thursday evening at a FedEx center….”

Amarjeet Kaur Johal, 66
Karli Smith, 19
Amarjit Sekhon, 48
Matthew R. Alexander, 32
Samaria Blackwell, 19
Jaswindre Kaur, 64
Jaswinder Singh, 68
John Weisert, 74.

“Police said earlier Friday that the suspected gunman, 19-year-old Brandon Scott Hole, killed himself shortly after the shooting began at 11 p.m. IMPD Deputy Chief Craig McCartt said Hole was an employee at the FedEx center in 2020 [for two months ].

“The shooting, considered the worst mass shooting in Indianapolis’ history, left multiple injured. It’s also the third mass shooting in Indianapolis since the beginning of the year.” (Indianapolis Star/Sarah Nelson. “FedEx shooting victims are identified by Indianapolis police: Who are they?” 4-16-2021, updated 4-17-2021.)

April 17, WGN TV9, Chicago: “Indianapolis (NewsNation Now) – Police scoured a FedEx facility in Indianapolis and searched the suspected gunman’s home Friday [16th] looking for a motive for the latest mass shooting to rock the U.S….

“Paul Keenan, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis field office, said Friday that agents questioned Hole [April 2020 ] after his mother called police to say that her son might commit ‘suicide by cop.’ He says agents questioned Hole based on items found in his bedroom. He did not elaborate on what those items were. No crime was identified and the FBI says it did not identify Hole as espousing a racially motivated ideology.

“Earlier, Keenan said it would be ‘premature to speculate’ on the gunman’s motive. McCartt said hole had been a subject of previous police reports, including one in March 2020 when a gun was seized. He was unsure if the rifle used in the shooting was legally or illegally obtained.

“His stepsister described Hole as ‘isolated’ in an exclusive interview with NewsNation affiliate WXIN-TV. ‘He never got the help that he needed,’ she said….

“Officials said they were unaware if Hole had been terminated by FedEx or not….” (WGN TV9, Chicago. “FBI says it interviewed 19-year-old FedEx mass shooter last year.” 4-17-2021.)

April 17, Indianapolis Star: “….An IMPD [Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Dept.] report from March 3, 2020, references a mental health check for suicidal tendencies in the 1100 block of North Huber St., and lists Hole, then 18, as being arrested. It says police seized a shotgun “from dangerous person.” The report said the Behavioral Health Unit “initiated immediate detention on male reported to have voiced suicidal ideation.” It added Hole had purchased a gun within the last 24 hours and talked about suicide by police, a situation in which a person prompts police to kill them. Hole was transported to a local hospital. No online court records appear to correspond with the incident. The details were confirmed in a statement Friday from FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Paul Keenan:

‘In March 2020, the suspect’s mother contacted law enforcement to report he might try to commit ‘suicide by cop.’ The suspect was placed on an immediate detention mental health temporary hold by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. A shotgun was seized at his residence. Based on items observed in the suspect’s bedroom at that time, he was interviewed by the FBI in April 2020. No Racially Motivated Violent Extremism (RMVE) ideology was identified during the course of the assessment and no criminal violation was found. The shotgun was not returned to the suspect.’

(Indianapolis Star/Lawrence Andrea and Tim Evans. “FedEx shooter identified as 19-year-old Indianapolis resident who ‘voiced suicidal ideation’.” 4-16-2021; updated 4-17-2021.)

Sources

Associated Press (Casey Smith). “Police trying to identify gunman, motive in FedEx shooting. 4-16-2021. Accessed 4-16-2021 at: https://apnews.com/article/fedex-indianapolis-mass-shooting-e92ad3117c56357b3b2c71a2903e68a8

CBS News (Victoria Albert). “FedEx says suspected gunman worked for the company for 2 months.” 4-16-2021. Accessed 4-17-2021 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/fedex-mass-shooting-indianapolis-8-killed/

Indianapolis Star/Lawrence Andrea and Tim Evans. “FedEx shooter identified as 19-year-old Indianapolis resident who ‘voiced suicidal ideation’.” 4-16-2021; updated 4-17-2021. Accessed 4-17-2021 at: https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2021/04/16/indianapolis-fedex-mass-shooting-suspect-identity-update/7251111002/

Indianapolis Star/Sarah Nelson. “FedEx shooting victims are identified by Indianapolis police: Who are they?” 4-16-2021, updated 4-17-2021. Accessed 4-17-2021 at: https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2021/04/16/victims-fedex-mass-shooting-indianapolis-ground-facility/7250255002/

New York Times (Andres R. Martinez, et al.). “FedEx Gunman Bought 2 Rifles After Police Seized His Shotgun, Chief Says.” 4-18-2021. Accessed 4-18-2021 at: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/17/us/indianapolis-shooting-victims.html

New York Times (Sarah Mervosh, et al.). “Names of the eight victims were released by the authorities.” 4-16-2021. Accessed 4-17-2021 at: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/16/us/indianapolis-shooting-fedex-facility.html

WGN TV9, Chicago. “FBI says it interviewed 19-year-old FedEx mass shooter last year.” 4-17-2021. Accessed 4-17-2021 at: https://wgntv.com/news/fbi-says-it-interviewed-19-year-old-fedex-mass-shooter-last-year/

–13 NOLA/Gagnet. “Remembering…victims of…Seacor Power lift boat disaster…” 4-20-2021.

Narrative Information

April 14, KHOU: “HOUSTON — One person died and 12 others remain missing after a liftboat capsized off the Louisiana coast, the U.S. Coast Guard confirmed. Six people were rescued shortly after the vessel Seacor Power capsized. At a Wednesday morning press conference, Coast Guard Captain Will E. Watson said the weather conditions when the boat capsized were very ‘challenging,’ but he stopped short of speculating on what caused the incident. [Was enroute to Main Pass 138, in the Gulf, about 40 miles east of Venice, Louisiana; was to deliver equipment to an oil platform near the mouth of the Mississippi River. ]

“The boat is owned by Houston-based Seacor Marine, which Watson said is working to contact and help impacted families.

“The Coast Guard and several good Samaritan vessels continued their search and rescue efforts in the Gulf of Mexico, just miles south of Port Fourchon….

“According to MarineTraffic.com, the vessel left port around 2:12 p.m. A source tells WWL-TV that the Seacor Power capsized shortly after 4 p.m. A Coast Guard Fast Response Cutter was on the scene within 30 minutes, according to authorities.

“Watson said at the time of the incident, there were 80- to 90-mph-winds, seven- to nine-foot seas with “extremely limited visibility.” Watson said forecasters knew there would be poor weather off the coast Tuesday, but they did not expect it to be as bad as it was….

“Liftboats are large platform vessels used to transport crews and equipment to and from oil rigs in The Gulf.” (KHOU 11, Houston (Doug Delony). “1 dead, 12 still missing after boat capsizes off Louisiana coast, US Coast Guard confirms.” 4-13-2021, updated 4-14-2021.)

April 15, AP: “Associated Press. Port Fourchon, LA (AP) — With 12 people still missing from a capsized oil industry vessel, Coast Guard divers waited for a break in stormy weather Thursday that would allow them to reach the hull and search for survivors. Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonathan Lally said rescuers don’t know whether any of the missing might be caught inside the lift vessel that flipped over Tuesday in hurricane-force winds and high seas off the Louisiana coast….The Coast Guard expects the divers to make it to the vessel today, but the safety of the rescuers is also a factor, he said….

“Part of the overturned ship’s hull and one of its legs were still visible, leaving most of the bulky vessel underwater, in an area 50 to 55 feet (15 to 17 meters) deep, according to the Coast Guard. Also called a jackup rig, it has three long legs designed to reach the sea floor and lift it out of water as an offshore platform….” (Associate Press. “Divers air to reach capsized vessel in search for survivors.” OA online, 4-15-2021.)

April 16, Daily Mail and Associated Press: “Photos have emerged of some of the 12 missing crew members who could be trapped inside a capsized liftboat off Louisiana, as the Coast Guard prepares to make a last-ditch rescue attempt. Divers searching for the missing oil industry workers prepared to enter the overturned vessel on Friday [16th], a rescue effort complicated by daunting technical challenges and continued bad weather….

“The disaster on the Seacor Power has brought attention to the little-known liftboat, a specialized design with a history of safety problems in foul weather. A liftboat is a self-propelled, self-elevating vessel with a large open deck capable of carrying equipment and supplies, used mainly in mineral exploration and offshore construction. Liftboats are equipped with legs that can be lowered down to the sea floor, rapidly raising the hull clear of the water to provide a stable platform for oil exploration or even maintenance on the vessel itself. The Seacor Power had three extendible legs, and was equipped with two cranes and a helicopter pad.

“The first liftboat was designed in 1955 by brothers Lynn and Orin Dean in Violet, Louisiana. In 1950 the Dean brothers owned a repair service for cars, boats and farm equipment called Universal Repair Service, which became their liftboat firm EBI, Elevating Boats LLC. EBI operates 30 liftboats that service the shallow, oil-rich waters of the Gulf of Mexico from their liftboat dock in Houma, Louisiana.

“The Seacor Power was owned by Seacor Marine, and had a maximum working depth of 195 feet.

“The vulnerabilities of liftboats in storms have been known for years, and federal authorities have investigated multiple deaths on them.

“Four people on board the Trinity II died in September 2011 in the Gulf of Mexico when large waves struck its hull.

“Then in July 1989 a liftboat sank [Avco 5] off the coast of Louisiana in storms associated with Hurricane Chantal. Ten [or 13] of the 14 people on board died….” (Daily Mail/Keith Griffith) and Associated Press. “Pictured: Members of the 12 missing crew on 129-foot liftboat that capsized off Louisiana coast who could still be trapped Inside as Coast Guard prepares last-ditch rescue effort.” 4-16-2021.)

April 16, MarineLog (Nick Blenkey): “In an update released Friday evening, the Coast Guard reports that divers from Donjon Marine Company who were diving on the capsized Seacor Power lift boat had recovered two more unresponsive people. That brings the number of fatalities confirmed in the incident to four. [Anthony Hartford, 53 of New Orleans, and James Wallingsford, 55 of Gilbert, LA. ]

“….According to local media, the Lafourche Parish Coroner’s Office has identified the crewmember whose body was first recovered from the water as David Ledet, 63, of Thibodaux, La., the vessel’s captain…. [The second body was found 33 miles away from the site. ]

[Besides Captain Ledet one of the other fatalities was identified as Earnest Williams, 69. ]

“Owner May Seek To Limit Liability

“Thus far, there appears to have been no public statement on the incident from the lift boat’s owner, SEACOR Marine Holdings Inc. (NYSE:SMHI). Law firms believe it likely the owner will file a Limitation of Liability complaint to limit its damages in connection with the capsized vessel. The Limitation of Shipowners’ Liability Act allows a vessel owner to limit its liability for damages to the value of the vessel involved in the occurrence. Paul T. Hofmann, a partner in law firm Hofmann & Schweitzer, points out that the act limits the shipowner’s liability to the value of the vessel after the event. In this case, the value of the lift boat will be zero. According to VesselsValue, prior to the capsize the SEACOR Power had a value of $1.71 million.” (MarineLog/Nick Blenkey. “Updated: SEACOR Power death toll grows.” 4-16-2021.)

April 16, NOLA.com: “….The weather was relatively clear when the jack up boat left, but an hour into the trip, forecasters warned that there would be tropical-storm caliber winds and potentially deadly waves in the area where the crew was headed. Those winds turned out to be much stronger than forecast. The Seacor Power took on water, turned over on its starboard side and sank around 4:30 p.m., setting off a frantic rescue effort entering its fourth day Friday.

“….Two of the rescued were among five who were on the Seacor Power’s hull late Tuesday night, Coast Guard officials said. Two jumped off the hull and were rescued. A third who fell in the water has not been located, according to the Coast Guard. The other two on the hull went back inside, and there was optimism as of Friday that they may be alive in an air pocket waiting to be rescued, possibly with others. Divers tapped on the ship’s hull Thursday but received no response…” (Nola.com/John Simerman and Ramon Antonio Vargas. “Seacor Power divers ‘hopeful’ to rescue crew alive by using access points on vessel.” 4-16-2021.)

Nov 20, NOLA.com: “Five people were killed and eight others are missing and presumed dead after the lift boat Seacor Power capsized April 13 during a storm in the Gulf of Mexico. Six other crew members were rescued from the water by the Coast Guard, which continued searching for days after the disaster to rescue or recover additional crew.

“On Monday [19th], the Coast Guard announced it was suspending its search and rescue operations. Private search crews — funded by the vessel’s owner, Seacor Marine — will continue searching.

“The Seacor Power’s crew hailed from across Louisiana, and one missing crew member is from Texas. Here is who they were, and how family, friends and community members have remembered them….]

[Victims named in article.]
Bodies recovered
1. Capt. David Ledet, 63, of Thibodaux
2. Earnest Williams, 69, of Arnaudville
3. Anthony Hartford, 53, of New Orleans
4. James “Trach” Wallingsford, 55, of Gilbert, Louisiana
5. Lawrence Warren, 36, of Terrytown
Missing, presumed dead.
6. Dylan Daspit, 30, of Breaux Bridge
7. Jay Guevara, of Lafayette
8. Quinon Pitre, 31, of the Lawtell area
9. Chaz Morales, 37, of Slidell
10. Gregory Walcott, 62, of Abbeville
11. Jason Krell, of Texas
12. Darren Encalade, of Belle Chasse
13. Cooper Rozands, of Houma

Sources

Associate Press. “Divers air to reach capsized vessel in search for survivors.” OA online, 4-15-2021. Accessed 4-15-2021 at: https://www.oaoa.com/news/business/divers-aim-to-reach-capsized-vessel-in-search-for-survivors/article_f83a48c6-53b9-5aad-99eb-d57fa7a2099a.html

Daily Mail/Keith Griffith) and Associated Press. “Pictured: Members of the 12 missing crew on 129-foot liftboat that capsized off Louisiana coast who could still be trapped Inside as Coast Guard prepares last-ditch rescue effort.” 4-16-2021. Accessed 4-16-2021 at: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9478929/PICTURED-Members-12-missing-crew-Seacor-Power-lift-boat-capsized-Louisiana.html

Foxnews.com (Peter Aitken). “Coast Guard recovers 2 more bodies off Louisiana coast following Seacor Power disaster.” 4-17-2021. Accessed 4-17-2021 at: https://www.foxnews.com/us/coast-guard-recovers-2-bodies-louisiana-seacor-power

Freightwaves.com (Noi Mahoney). “2 more bodies recovered after Seacor Power capsizing.” 4-17-2021. Accessed 4-17-2021 at: https://www.freightwaves.com/news/2-more-bodies-recovered-after-seacor-power-capsizing

KHOU 11, Houston (Doug Delony). “1 dead, 12 still missing after boat capsizes off Louisiana coast, US Coast Guard confirms.” 4-13-2021, updated 4-14-2021. Accessed 4-14-2021 at: https://www.khou.com/article/news/national/boat-capsizes-grand-isle-louisiana/285-f5820a56-8c17-4704-88b4-92bb01cefe03

MarineLog/Nick Blenkey. “Updated: SEACOR Power death toll grows.” 4-16-2021. Accessed 4-17-2021 at: https://www.marinelog.com/offshore/seacor-power-another-body-recovered/

NOLA.com (Kayla Gagnet). “Remembering the victims of the Seacor Power lift boat disaster the Gulf of Mexico.” 4-20-2021. Accessed 4-20-2021 at: https://www.nola.com/news/article_d29fb86e-a20e-11eb-8631-a78635aa0df0.html

Nola.com (John Simerman and Ramon Antonio Vargas). “Seacor Power divers ‘hopeful’ to rescue crew alive by using access points on vessel.” 4-16-2021. Accessed 4-17-2021 at: https://www.nola.com/news/article_a6e3077a-9ed1-11eb-9155-2369bd36de3a.html

WBRZ 2, Baton Rouge. “All four crew members confirmed dead after liftboat catastrophe identified; Nine missing.” 4-17-2021. Accessed 4-17-2021 at: https://www.wbrz.com/news/all-four-crew-members-confirmed-dead-after-liftboat-catastrophe-identified-nine-missing

–10 CNN. “Here’s what we know about the Boulder, Colorado, mass shooting suspect.” 3-23-2021.

Narrative Information

March 23: “(CNN) — Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa was identified by authorities Tuesday as the gunman who opened fire at a King Soopers grocery store in Colorado, killing 10 people, including a Boulder police officer….A search of the suspect’s suburban Denver home turned up other weapons, a senior law enforcement source said Tuesday. The weapon used in the attack was an AR-15-style pistol modified with an arm brace, according to the source….Alissa, whose family emigrated from Syria, may have been suffering from mental illness, according to his 34-year-old brother, Ali Aliwi Alissa….The family emigrated from Syria in 2002, the brother said. They lived in the Arvada area since 2014.

“Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, who was born on April 17, 1999, attended Arvada West High School starting in March 2015 until he graduated in May 2018, according to Jeffco Public Schools.

“…the suspect was wounded in the leg during ‘an exchange of gunfire.’….

“The slain officer, 51-year-old Eric Talley, was the first to respond to the scene, according to Herold. Talley had joined the Boulder police force in 2010, she said.

“The victims were ordinary Coloradans going about their daily lives — picking up groceries, waiting in line for a coronavirus vaccine. They ranged from 20 to 65 years old.” (CNN. “Here’s what we know about the Boulder, Colorado, mass shooting suspect.” 3-23-2021.)

March 23: “….Police on Tuesday [March 23]…released the names of those killed: Denny Stong, 20; Neven Stanisic, 23; Rikki Olds, 25; Tralona Bartkowiak, 49; Suzanne Fountain, 59; Teri Leiker, 51; Boulder police Officer Eric Talley, 51; Kevin Mahoney, 61; Lynn Murray, 62; Jody Waters, 65….”

Sources

CNN (Alisha Ebrahimji and Holly Yan). “A young grocery store manager and a heroic officer were among the 10 Boulder shooting victims.” 3-23-2021. Accessed 3-23-2021 at: https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/23/us/victims-of-boulder-shooting/index.html

CNN (Ray Sanchez and Blake Ellis). “Here’s what we know about the Boulder, Colorado, mass shooting suspect.” 3-23-2021. Accessed 3-23-2021 at: https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/23/us/boulder-colorado-shooting-suspect/index.html

CNN (Jason Hanna and Madeline Holcombe). “Suspect in Colorado grocery store shooting faces 10 counts of murder, police say.” 3-23-2021. Accessed 3-23-2021 at: https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/23/us/boulder-colorado-shooting-tuesday/index.html

–8 NPR. “What We Know About The Victims Of The Atlanta-Area Shootings.” 3-19-2021.

Narrative Information

March 23, NPR: “As the country reels from the Atlanta-area massage business shootings that left eight people dead, including six women of Asian descent, authorities have released the names of those killed in Tuesday’s three attacks. Four people were killed in the shooting at Youngs Asian Massage in Acworth, Ga., the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office said on Wednesday. They have been identified as Delaina Ashley Yaun, Paul Andre Michels, Xiaojie Tan and Daoyou Feng. The sole survivor, Elcias R. Hernandez-Ortiz, remains hospitalized with injuries. Four women were also killed in two spas across the street from one another in Atlanta. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s office identified these women, between the ages of 51 and 74, when asked about victims of the spa shootings: Soon Chung Park, Hyun Jung Grant, Suncha Kim and Yong Ae Yue….

“The suspect, 21-year-old Robert Aaron Long of Georgia, was arrested within hours of the attacks and faces charges of murder and assault. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday that Long confessed to the shootings but claimed they were not motivated by racial animus — prompting widespread debate over what constitutes a hate crime and how to present the gunman’s explanation, especially in the context of a recent nationwide surge in violence against Asian Americans….” (NPR. “What We Know About The Victims Of The Atlanta-Area Shootings.” 3-19-2021.)
Source

NPR. “What We Know About The Victims Of The Atlanta-Area Shootings.” 3-19-2021. Accessed 3-23-2021 at: https://www.npr.org/2021/03/18/978742409/what-we-know-about-the-victims-of-the-atlanta-area-shootings

–13 Associated Press. “California crash kills 13 of 25 people crammed into SUV.” 3-2-2021.
–12 on-site
— 1 at hospital
–13 KABC, LA. “NTSB, CHP to meet amid human smuggling investigation…” 3-3-2021.
–13 News Break. “A horrific California SUV crash…linked to earlier crossing of…border.” 3-7-2021.

Narrative Information

March 2: “Holtville, Calif. — An SUV packed with 25 people pulled in front of an oncoming tractor-trailer on a two-lane highway cutting through farmland near the Mexican border early Tuesday, killing 13 and leaving bodies strewn across the roadway.

“When police arrived some of the passengers were trying to crawl out of the crumpled 1997 Ford Expedition, the front end of the rig still pushing into its left side and two empty trailers jackknifed behind it. Other victims were wandering around the fields.

“Twelve people were found dead when first responders reached the highway, which winds through fields in the agricultural southeastern corner of California about 125 miles (201 kilometers) east of San Diego. Another person died at a hospital, California Highway Patrol Chief Omar Watson said….

“The 22-year-old driver of the Ford Expedition was from Mexicali, Mexico, and was killed. The 69-year-old driver of the big rig, who is from nearby El Centro, was hospitalized with moderate injuries.

“The crash occurred around 6:15 a.m. at an intersection just outside the agricultural community of Holtville, which dubs itself the world’s carrot capital. Authorities said the tractor-trailer and its two empty containers were northbound on State Highway 115 when the SUV pulled in front of it from Norrish Road. It’s not clear if the SUV ran a stop sign or had stopped before entering the highway. It’s not yet known how fast the tractor-trailer was traveling.

“The deceased ranged in age from 20 to 55. Among the injured, the youngest is 16 years old….

“The investigation will look into why so many people were crammed into the 1997 Ford Expedition, a vehicle built to hold only about eight people safely….

“The speed limit for tractor-trailers on the highway is 55 mph (88.5 kph), according to CHP Officer Jake Sanchez. The other road is also 55 mph for vehicles.

“A 1997 Ford Expedition can carry a maximum payload of 2,000 pounds. If it had 25 people inside, that would exceed the payload limit — which would tax the brakes and make it tougher to steer, said Frank Borris, former head of the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation….” (Associated Press. “California crash kills 13 of 25 people crammed into SUV.” 3-2-2021.)

March 3: “Holtville, Calif. (KABC) — Authorities are investigating whether human smuggling was involved when an SUV packed with 25 people slammed into a tractor-trailer in a remote Imperial County desert on Tuesday, killing the driver and 12 passengers near the Mexican border….

“Seats of the 1997 Ford Expedition were removed, making room for more people. The SUV, which would typically seat eight to nine people legally, collided with an empty tractor-trailer on Highway 115 at Norrish Road in Holtville — located about 125 miles east of San Diego and about 15 miles north of the Mexico border….

“The Mexican government issued a statement saying that the consulate has confirmed that at least 10 of the deceased were Mexican nationals and authorities were still working to confirm the identities of the other three who were killed in the crash.

“CHP officials say at the intersection the SUV drove “directly in the path of the big rig” around 6:15 a.m. The 2011 Peterbilt truck struck the left side of the SUV, which appeared to have been pushed off the road. Investigators were trying to determine if the SUV first stopped at the stop sign before entering the intersection.

“Authorities said the ages of those who were inside the vehicle, including those injured and killed, ranged from 15 to 53….

“Information about the occupants of the SUV, including where they were traveling to and from and why there were so many in one vehicle, is still under investigation.” (KABC, Los Angeles. “NTSB, CHP to meet amid human smuggling investigation in mass casualty crash in Imperial County,” 3-3-2021.)

March 3: “Holtville, Calif. — Thirteen people killed in one of the deadliest border crashes on record were among more than 40 migrants who entered the U.S. through a hole cut into Southern California’s border fence with Mexico, the Border Patrol said Wednesday. Surveillance video showed a Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Suburban drive through the opening early Tuesday, Gregory Bovino, the Border Patrol’s El Centro sector chief, told The Associated Press. It is believed they were part of a migrant smuggling operation.

“The Suburban carried 19 people, and it caught fire for unknown reasons on a nearby interstate after entering the U.S. All escaped the vehicle and were taken into custody by Border Patrol agents.

“The Expedition crammed with 25 people continued on, and a tractor-trailer struck it a short time later. Ten of the 13 killed have been identified as Mexican citizens. The rest of those in the SUV and the truck driver survived.

“The Border Patrol said its agents were not pursuing the vehicle before the crash. The opening in the fence was about 30 miles (48 kilometers) east of the crash in the heart of California’s Imperial Valley, a major farming region.

“It was made of steel bollards that were built before former President Donald Trump blanketed much of the border with taller barriers that go deeper into the ground….

“The breach occurred in a busy area for illegal crossings near the Imperial Sand Dunes where migrants often climb over an aging barrier and wait for drivers to pick them up, hoping to avoid scrutiny of Border Patrol agents at checkpoints on highways leading to Los Angeles, San Diego and Phoenix. Border Patrol photos show a panel of eight steel poles was lifted out and left on the ground in the desert next to an old tire and other debris….

“The crash occurred around 6:15 a.m. under a clear, sunny sky at an intersection just outside Holtville, about 11 miles (18 kilometers) north of the border. Authorities said the tractor-trailer was heading north on a highway when the SUV pulled in front of it from a road with a stop sign….”
(AP. “SUV in deadly Southern California crash came through hole in border fence: Border Patrol.” abc11 Eyewitness News, 3-3-2021.)

March 5: El Centro — One of the 13 people killed when the SUV smuggling them into California hit a tractor-trailer was a 23-year-old woman…Yesenia Magali Melendrez Cardona…” (Associated Press. “Guatemala woman, 23, is among 13 killed in California crash.” The Mercury News, Bay area, CA, 3-4-2021, update 3-5-2021.)

Sources

Associated Press (Elliot Spagat). “California crash kills 13 of 25 people crammed into SUV.” 3-2-2021. Accessed 3-2-2021 at: https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/hospital-suv-carrying-27-crashes-semitruck-killing-15-76205214

Associated Press. “Guatemala woman, 23, is among 13 killed in California crash.” The Mercury News, Bay area, CA, 3-4-2021, update 3-5-2021. Accessed 3-5-2021 at: https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/03/04/guatemala-woman-23-is-among-13-killed-in-california-crash/

Associated Press (Elliot Spagat). “SUV in deadly Southern California crash came through hole in border fence: Border Patrol.” 3-3-2021. Accessed 3-4-2021 at: https://abc11.com/accident-in-holtville-crash-25-people-suv-ford-expedition/10386066/

Davis, Charles and Azmi Haroun. “A horrific California SUV crash that killed 13 was linked to earlier crossing of US-Mexico border.” News Break, 3-7-2021. Accessed 3-7-2021 at: https://www.newsbreak.com/california/el-centro/news/2174998946233/a-horrific-california-suv-crash-that-killed-13-was-linked-to-earlier-crossing-of-us-mexico-border

KABC, Los Angeles. “NTSB, CHP to meet amid human smuggling investigation in mass casualty crash in Imperial County,” 3-3-2021. Accessed 3-3-2021 at: https://abc7.com/holtville-california-imperial-county-crash-big-rig/10385229/

Sacramento Bee, CA. “Hear details of fatal big-rig crash killing at least 15 in California.” 3-2-2021. Accessed 3-2-2021 at: https://www.sacbee.com/news/california/article249633883.html

–14 CNN. “At least 13 people are dead as severe storms bring tornadoes and flooding…” 3-4-2023.
–3 Alabama
–1 Arkansas
–1 California
–5 Kentucky (Edmonson, Simpson, Logan, Fayette and Bath counties.)
–1 Mississippi
–3 Tennessee
–1 Gallatin, Sumner County, 3rd. Tree fell on Liberty Creek High School student.
–1 Hendersonville, March 3. Tree fell onto woman walking with a neighbor.
–1 Humphreys County. Tree fall onto vehicle, killing man.
–12 Fox Weather. “Death toll climbs from first severe weather outbreak of…” 3-4-2023.
–3 Alabama
–1 Arkansas
–5 Kentucky
–1 Mississippi
–2 Tennessee

Narrative Information

March 4, CNN: “At least 13 people have died in multiple states due to severe weather across the country as a powerful storm system that brought golf ball-sized hail and tornadoes to the South continues to march Saturday across the Northeast. The storm spurred wind gusts strong enough to topple tractor-trailer trucks, leaving more than 1 million people without power and threatening to bring more torrential rain, tornadoes and heavy snow.

“The storm system is the same that dumped feet of snow across parts of California, leaving some trapped in their homes with snow piled as high as second-story windows and prompting the governor to declare a state of emergency in 13 counties. Many of those affected are now bracing for another round of snow and rain on Saturday from a new system.

“At least five Kentuckians have died in connection with the severe weather that hit the area Friday, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said during a news briefing on Saturday. CNN previously reported four deaths across the commonwealth in Edmonson, Simpson, Logan and Fayette counties. The additional death being reported was an 84-year-old man in Bath County, Beshear said. Beshear said it will take days to restore power in some places, and that as of 11:11 a.m. ET Saturday, 396,517 Kentuckians were without power. He said 1,874 Kentuckians are under a boil water advisory with five water districts working under limited operations.

“In Tennessee, two people died. A man was killed after a tree fell on the vehicle he was riding in, the Humphreys County Emergency Management Agency told CNN via email. An elderly woman in Hendersonville died after a tree fell on her while she was walking with a neighbor Friday, according to a news release from the City of Hendersonville. A high school student in Sumner County, Tennessee was critically injured Friday by a tree that fell during severe storms and is not expected to survive, local officials said Saturday. According to Liberty Creek High School, Brooks was being kept on life support until Sunday. ‘Even in her passing, she will give back to others by being an organ donor,’ the school announced. ‘Please join us in praying for this family and all who were fortunate enough to know her.’

“Three other people died in Alabama, one in Arkansas, one in Mississippi and one in California, according to officials.

“Nearly 15 million people were under winter weather alerts as of 8:45 a.m. ET Saturday along the West Coast and in New England, with another 25 million under wind alerts.

“According to PowerOutage.us, about 1.2 million customers were without power Saturday, with Kentucky, Michigan, Tennessee, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia reporting the most outages.

“Heavy snow is forecast through Saturday afternoon [4th] in northern New England, according to the National Weather Service, with a rain/snow mix in Massachusetts. ‘Storm total amounts of 6 to 12 inches looks to occur within much of the Mohawk Valley, Adirondacks, Lake George Saratoga Region and southern Vermont,’ the National Weather Service in Albany, New York, wrote….”

Sources

CNN. “At least 13 people are dead as severe storms bring tornadoes and flooding to South, now sweeps across Northeast.” 3-4-2023. Accessed 3-5-2023 at: https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/03/weather/winter-weather-us-south-tornado-storms-friday/index.html

Fox Weather. “Death toll climbs from first severe weather outbreak of meteorological spring.” 3-4-2023. Accessed 3-4-2023 at: https://www.foxweather.com/extreme-weather/march-tornado-hail-reports-damage

WKRN.com, Nashville. “Sumner County teen hit by falling tree ‘passed away’, will be taken off mechanical support, school says.” 3-4-2023.

->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:

–>100 Washington Post. “Death toll expected to rise as recovery effort continues.” 12-12-2021.
— 94 dw.com. “US: Tornado death toll rises in Kentucky.” 12-12-2021.
— >92 AP. “Kentucky tornado deaths: 7 members of same family killed…” Courier Journal. KY, 12-18-2021.
— >91 Blanchard tally from State breakouts below (as of Dec 28).
— >90 NYT. “Tornado News: Death Toll Rises as States Assess Damage.” 12-14-2021.
— 88 Washington Post. “The record-breaking tornadoes that swept the [US]…” 12-13-2021.

Summary of Fatalities by State
Arkansas > 2
Illinois > 6
Kentucky >76
Missouri 2
Tennessee 5 (four deaths and one missing from Tiptonville, Lake County)
>91

Breakout of Fatalities by State and Locality

Arkansas > 2
— 2 NYT. “Live Updates: Tornadoes Hit Several States…at Least 70 Dead in [KY].” 12-11-2021.
–1 Monette. Manor Nursing Home
–1 Leachville. Dollar General store.

Illinois > 6
–>6 Edwardsville. Roof/wall of Amazon warehouse collapse. Reuters. Night of…” 12-12-2021.
–1 Clayton Lynn Cope, 29, maintenance worker. St. Louis Post Dispatch, 12-11-2021.
–1 Kevin Dickey, 62. CNN. “Family confirms the death of their 2-month…” 12-14-2021.
–1 Etheria Hebb, 34. CNN. “Family confirms the death of their 2-month…” 12-14-2021.
–1 Austin McEwen, 26. CNN. “Family confirms the death of their 2-month…” 12-14-2021.
–1 Deandre Morrow, 28. CNN. “Family confirms the death of their 2-month…” 12-14-2021.
–1 Larry Virden, 46. CNN. “Family confirms the death of their 2-month…” 12-14-2021.

Kentucky 76
–>80 dw.com. “US: Tornado death toll rises in Kentucky.” 12-12-2021. Cites Gov. Beshear.
— 80 NYT. “Tornado News: Death Toll Rises as States Assess Damage.” 12-14-2021.
— 78 WPSD Local 6, Paducah, KY. “These are the names of the Dec. 10-11 tornado…” 12-17-2021.
— 77 Lexington Herald Leader. “Kentucky death toll climbs to 77 from tornadoes…” 12-17-2021.
— 76 WKYT, Lexington. “Gov. Beshear reports 76 Kentuckians killed in…Ky. Tornadoes.” 12-20-2021.
— 75 Lexington Herald Leader. “Death toll from Kentucky tornadoes rises to 75…” 12-15-2021.
— 75 Blanchard tally from county breakouts below.
Breakout of Kentucky tornado fatalities by County:
–> 4 Caldwell County (northern, Dawson Road area. According to Caldwell County Coroner.
–1 Larry Burdon (Courier Journal, Louisville. “[KY] tornado death count…” 12-14-2021.)
–1 Rick Carlisle
–2 Richard Lipford and wife Millie Lipford.
— 1 Franklin County, Frankfort. William “Bill” Amey, Jr., 62, when car was swept from road.
— 1 Fulton County, Casey. Wade Lyhl, 57, at home, according to Fulton County Coroner.
— 22 Graves County. KLKY, Louisville. “LIST: Several Kentucky tornado victims have been identified.” 12-14-2021.
Mayfield:
–9 Mayfield candle factory. Blanchard tally of names below; also Gov. Beshear total.
–1 Devyn C. Burton, 21. (WPSD 6, Paducah. “LIST: Tornado victims…” 12-14-2021.)
–1 Jeff Creason, 57. WPSD6. “Memorial of flowers honors lives lost in Mayfield…” 12-15-2021.
–1 Robert Daniel, a police deputy supervising work-release inmates at factory.
–1 Janine Denise Johnson-Williams, 50. gofundme.com. “Assisting Ivy L. Williams…”
–1 Elijah Lewis (of Calloway County) died in hospital on Dec 15.
–1 Ivan Lopez, 51. WPSD6. “Memorial of flowers honors lives lost in Mayfield…” 12-15-2021.
–1 Jill Monroe, 52. (Courier Journal. “Kentucky tornado death count…” 12-14-2021.)
–1 Kayla Smith, 30. WPSD6. “Memorial of flowers honors lives lost in Mayfield…” 12-15-2021.
–1 Lannis “Joe” Ward. (NBC News. “Victims of deadly tornadoes…” 12-13-2021.)
–1 Robert Baldree, 87, died Dec 11 at Jackson Purchase Medical Center.
–1 Jha’lil Lee Dunbar, 3. (Courier Journal. “Kentucky tornado death count…” 12-14-2021.)
–1 Derek Gilbert. WPSD6. “Memorial of flowers honors lives lost in Mayfield…” 12-15-2021.
–1 Pam Gilbert, 60. WPSD6. “Memorial of flowers honors lives lost in Mayfield…” 12-15-2021.
–4 Gingerich family
–Emma Gingerich, wife of Jacob; mother of Marilyn and Daniel
–Jacob Gingerich, husband of Emma; father of Marilyn and Daniel
–Daniel Gingerich, 4
–Marilyn Gingerich, 7
–1 Kathy Green, 77. WPSD6. “Memorial of flowers honors lives lost in Mayfield…” 12-15-2021.
–1 Ollie Bright Reeves, 80. WPSD6. “Memorial of flowers honors lives lost in Mayfield…” 12-15-2021.
–1 Rosa Sanders, 60.
–1 Bobby Spradling, 50. WPSD6. “Memorial of flowers honors lives lost in Mayfield…” 12-15-2021.
–1 Jamey Waggoner, 66. WPSD6. “Memorial of flowers honors lives lost in Mayfield…” 12-15-2021.
— 14 Hopkins Co. KLKY, Louisville. “LIST: Several Kentucky tornado victims have been identified.” 12-14-2021.
–14 Dawson Springs. (Courier Journal. “[KY] tornado death count…” 12-14-2021.)
–1 Marlin Acree, 34
–1 Mary Alice Adams, 74
–1 Ernie Akin, 86
–1 Jenny Bruce, 65
–1 Jeff Eckert, 70
–1 Jennifer Eckert, 69
–1 Carole Grisham, 80 (sister of Marsha Hall)
–1 John Hale, 54
–1 Marsha Hall, 71 (sister of Carole Grisham)
–1 Carl Hogan, 60
–1 Oaklynn Koon, 2-month-old girl, died of injuries in hospital on the 14th.
–1 Sonya Kaye McChesney, 67
–1 Claude Mitchell, 67
–1 Carolyn Siegler, 78
— 2 Lyon County.
–2 Lexington Herald Leader. “Kentucky death toll climbs to 77 from tornadoes…” 12-17-2021.
–1 Evenlyn Ratay, 98. (WPSD 6, Paducah. “LIST: Tornado victims…” 12-14-2021.)
— 2 Marshall County. KLKY, Louisville. “LIST: Several Kentucky tornado victims have been identified.” 12-14-2021.
–4 Marshall Co. Kentucky.com. “Kentucky tornado death toll…at 64. Fatalities in 9 counties.”
–2 Louisville Courier Journal. “Kentucky tornado death count…77…” 12-18-2021.
–1 Judith Elaine Davis, 83
–1 Caneilia “Neila” Mae Gaither, 78
— 11 Muhlenberg Co. (WPSD 6, Paducah. “LIST: Tornado victims that have been identified.” 12-14-2021.)
–5 Bremen
–1 Brian Crick, 43; home destroyed his family home, a county judge.
–1 Matthew Dale Ferguson, 50, when home was destroyed.
–1 Rita Ann Gish, 74, at her residence.
–1 Chase Oglesby, 5-months.
–1 Cheryl Snodgrass, 52, at hosp. (Tucker Funeral Home. “Cheryl Renee Snodgrass.”)
–2 Central City
–1 Meagan Flener, 34, wife of Scottie, at home protecting their 3 children.
–1 Scottie Flener, 34, husband of Meagan, at home protecting children.
–2 Millport community.
–1 Billy Dale Miller, 72 or 73.
–1 Judith Faye Miller, 72
–1 Moorman. Diane Varney, 62, in home.
–1 Locality not noted. John Hardin, 36
–> 1 Taylor Co., Saloma. Teresa Duncan. (Courier Journal. “[KY] tornado death count…” 12-14-2021.)
— 17 Warren County, Bowling Green. Blanchard tally of names listed below.
–16 WLKY, Louisville. “Kentucky tornado updates: Death toll…” 12-15-2021.
1. Alisa Besic, adult
2. Alma Besic, infant
3. Elma Besic, 7
4. Samantha Besic, infant
5. Selmir Besic, 6
6. Nariah Cayshelle Brown, 16
7. Nolynn Brown, juvenile
8. Nyles Brown, 4
9. Nyssa Brown, 13, body found Dec 16.
10. Rachel Brown, 36 [mother of Nariah, Nolynn, Nyles and Nyssa]
11. Steven Brown, 35 [father of Nariah, Nolynn, Nyles and Nyssa]
12. Terry Martin Jayne, 67. Heart attack Dec 15, helping clean up debris, daughter’s house.
13. Say Meh, 42 (died at hospital.)
14. Cory Scott, 27, Rockfield
15. Victoria Smith, 64 [grandmother to the Brown children]
16. Mae White, 77
17. Robert Williams, Jr., 65 (hosp.)

Missouri 2
–2 Reuters. “Night of devastating tornadoes likely kills more than 100 in [KY].” 12-12-2021.
–1 Pemiscot County, Missouri Bootheel, young child killed at home.
–1 St. Charles Co., Defiance area, Female, 84, asleep in home. KSDK, St. Louis. 12-11-2021.

Tennessee 5
–5 Blanchard tally.
–4 NYT. “Live Updates: Tornadoes Hit Several States…at Least 70 Dead in [KY].” 12-11-2021.
–3 Lake County, Tiptonville.
–2 Steve Gunn Jr., 50, and son Grayson Gunn, 12; duck-hunting group from Tallahassee.
–1 Jamie Hall. Missing from same Tallahassee group and building as Steve and Grayson Gunn.
–1 Obion County (NYT)
–1 Shelby County, Memphis, Orange Mound. High winds, tree falls on home. Lisa Taylor, 54.

Narrative Information

Dec 11, NYT: “Officials said that there were ‘confirmed fatalities’ after a roof collapsed at an Amazon warehouse in Illinois, leaving workers trapped, and that tornadoes had killed at least one person at an Arkansas nursing home….

“ Dozens of people were feared dead, and communities across the Midwest and South were digging through rubble on Saturday [Dec 11] after a string of unseasonably powerful storms and tornadoes swept across five states overnight.

“Officials said that there were “confirmed fatalities” after a roof collapsed at an Amazon warehouse in Illinois, that three had died in Tennessee and two in Arkansas, one at a nursing home and one at a Dollar General store.

“Kentucky’s governor said that at least 70 had been killed in a tornado’s path of over 200 miles, and that the state’s death toll could increase to more than 100. ‘This has been the most devastating tornado event in our state’s history,’ Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky said in a news briefing. ‘The level of devastation is unlike anything I have ever seen.’

“The storms — dark and immense funnel clouds that roared across the nighttime landscape — obliterated homes, churches and businesses, leaving unearthly scenes of destruction. In Mayfield, Ky., among the hardest-hit communities, the center of town had become a perilous maze of downed utility lines, dangling tree limbs and scattered debris. Officials said that around 110 people had been huddled inside a local candle-making factory when a tornado ripped through it. ‘We believe we’ll lose at least dozens of those individuals,’ Mr. Beshear said. ‘It’s very hard.’….

“In Arkansas, one person was killed when a tornado “totally demolished” the Monette Manor nursing home in the city of Monette, where 67 people lived, Gov. Asa Hutchinson said. A person was also killed at a Dollar General store in nearby Leachville, Ark., he said….

“At least five states were hit by tornadoes on Friday night, including Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee, said Bill Bunting, the operations chief at the Storm Prediction Center, part of the National Weather Service. He said the tornadoes were part of a weather system that was wreaking havoc in many parts of the country, causing substantial snowfall across parts of the upper Midwest and western Great Lakes.

“The Edwardsville Police Department in Illinois said early Saturday that the storms had resulted in “catastrophic damage to a significant portion” of an Amazon warehouse. It was not immediately known how many people had died there. A search-and-rescue operation was underway and next of kin were being notified, the police said.

“In Tennessee, two people died in Lake County and one in Obion County, in the western part of the state, said Dean Flener, a spokesman for the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency….”
(New York Times. “Live Updates: Tornadoes Hit Several States, With at Least 70 Dead in Kentucky.” 12-11-2021.)

Dec 11, CBS News: “….A candle factory in Mayfield, Kentucky, collapsed, with 110 people inside. Only 40 people had been rescued from the rubble as of Saturday afternoon, the governor said….

“President Biden signed an emergency declaration for the state [KY], allowing FEMA and other federal agencies to coordinate disaster relief efforts in the state. ‘Whatever is needed, the federal government is going to find a way to supply it,’ Mr. Biden said Saturday at a press conference….” (CBS News. “Kentucky death toll ‘north of 70’ after tornadoes, storms strike central U.S.” 12-11-2021.)

Dec 17: “Kentucky’s death toll from tornadoes last weekend has climbed to 77, eclipsing the state record of 76 in 1890 in Jefferson County, Gov. Andy Beshear said Friday [Dec 17]. Only one person — in Hopkins County — still was missing as of Friday morning. Sixteen had been reported missing Thursday. ‘Only one person missing is incredible news,’ said Beshear…. In addition to the deaths, the severe weather injured more than 100 people and 1,000 structures, mostly in Western Kentucky. Beshear said the new death toll of 77 includes one new fatality confirmed in Lyon County, another death reported Thursday in Warren County and three in Hopkins County that have not yet been confirmed by the county coroner….

“Hundreds of state and federal employees are assisting to help tornado victims, Beshear said. That includes about 640 Guard members, more than 600 Transportation Cabinet workers, about 100 from Kentucky State Police, 20 from the state forestry division and about 700 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. They are gathering information in line with President Joseph Biden’s disaster declarations for the area….” (Lexington Herald Leader (Jack Brammer). “Kentucky death toll climbs to 77 from tornadoes, breaking state record.” 12-17-2021.)

Sources

ABC News (Sudhin Thanawala and Jay Reeves). “Tornado victims include 7 member of Kentucky family.” 12-17-2021. Accessed 12-18-2021 at: https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/tornado-victims-include-members-kentucky-family-81815910

Action News 5, Memphis. “One storm-related death confirmed in Shelby County.” 12-11-2021. Accessed 12-13-2021 at: https://www.actionnews5.com/2021/12/11/storm-related-death-reported-shelby-county-gov-lee-visit-affected-areas/

Associated Press. “All those missing in Kentucky after tornado are accounted for, governor says.” NPR WITF, 12-18-2021. Accessed 12-19-2021 at: https://www.npr.org/2021/12/18/1065546490/all-those-missing-in-kentucky-after-tornado-are-accounted-for-governor-says

Associated Press (Sudhin Thanawala). “Kentucky tornado deaths: 7 members of same family killed ‘in the blink of an eye’.” Courier Journal, Lexington.” 12-18-2021. Accessed 12-18-2021 at: https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2021/12/17/kentucky-tornado-victims-7-deaths-bowling-green-nyssa-brown-family/8947411002/

CBS News. “Kentucky death toll ‘north of 70’ after tornadoes, storms strike central U.S.” 12-11-2021. Accessed 12-11-2021 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/severe-weather-tornadoes-deaths-united-states-2021-12-11/

CBS News (Sarah Lynch Baldwin) “Kentucky university clarifies storm-related fatality, says it is not aware of any fatalities within student body.” 12-11-2021. Accessed 12-11-2021 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/western-kentucky-university-storms-fatality/

CNN (Alanne Orjoux, Caroll Alvarado, Amanda Jackson) “Family confirms the death of their 2-month-old as death toll from the tornado in Kentucky climbs.” 12-14-2021. Accessed 12-14-2021 at: https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/12/us/victims-deadly-tornadoes-kentucky-illinois/index.html

CNN. “Two killed at Amazon warehouse in Illinois.” 12-11-2021. Accessed 12-11-2021 at: https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/11/weather/severe-weather-tornadoes-saturday/index.html

Courier Journal, Louisville (Olivia Krauth). “Kentucky tornado death count reaches 74 victims. Here are the names we know.” 12-14-2021.) Accessed 12-14-2021 at: https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2021/12/13/what-we-know-kentucky-tornado-victims-death-count/6477127001/

Courier Journal, Louisville (Hayes Gardner). “2 deaths, total devastation and narrow escapes after Kentucky tornado tortures this county.” 12-16-2021. Accessed 12-16-2021 at: https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2021/12/16/kentucky-tornadoes-deaths-and-devastation-marshall-county/8895555002/

Louisville Courier Journal (Olivia Krauth). “Kentucky tornado death count reaches 77 victims. Here are the names we know.” 12-18-2021. Accessed 12-18-2021 at: https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2021/12/13/what-we-know-kentucky-tornado-victims-death-count/6477127001/

Courier-Journal, Louisville (Olivia Krauth). “Kentucky tornado death toll: 50 people have been confirmed dead after storms by officials.” 12-12-2021. Accessed 12-12-2021 at: https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/2021/12/12/kentucky-tornado-death-toll-how-many-confirmed-dead/6484769001/

Courier Journal, Louisville. “Kentucky tornado live updates: FEMA opens mobile registration centers in Mayfield, Dawson Springs.” 12-15-2021. Accessed 12-15-2021 at: https://www.courier-journal.com/story/weather/local/severe/2021/12/15/kentucky-tornadoes-president-joe-biden-surveys-damage-wednesday/8899295002/

Courier Journal, Louisville (Olivia Krauth, Lala Kachmar and Brittany Carloni). “Kentucky tornado victims: Remembering those who have died in the December storms.” 12-15-2021. Accessed 12-15-2021 at: https://www.courier-journal.com/in-depth/news/local/2021/12/14/kentucky-tornado-victims-who-died-mayfield-bowling-green-bremen-dawson-springs/6477094001/

Courier-Journal, Louisville. “Where Did Kentucky tornadoes hit? See damage by county.” 12-11-2021. Accessed 12-12-2021 at: https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/2021/12/11/ky-tornado-damage-mayfield-graves-county/6475767001/

Daily Beast (Blake Montgomery and Pilar Melendez). “Up to 100 Feared Dead as Tornado Tears Through Kentucky Candle Factory.” 12-11-2021. Accessed 12-11-2021 at: https://www.thedailybeast.com/tornado-obliterates-monette-manor-nursing-home-and-traps-residents-inside

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gofundme.com. “Assisting Ivy L. Williams with expenses…” 12-13-2021. Accessed 12-14-2021 at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/assisting-ivy-l-williams-with-expenses-for-the?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1

Kentucky.com (Jack Brammer). “Kentucky tornado death toll now at 64. Fatalities in 9 counties, with 20 in Graves.” Accessed 12-13-2021 at: https://www.kentucky.com/news/state/kentucky/article256547156.html

KSDK, St. Louis (Kelsi Anderson and Justina Coronel). “1 dead after tornado rolls through St. Charles County.” 12-11-2021. Accessed 12-11-2021 at: https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/st-charles-county-storm-damage-death/63-38a673d6-564d-4312-8195-f95c41989715

Lexington Herald Leader. “Death toll from Kentucky tornadoes rises to 75 with addition of cleanup death.” 12-15-2021. Accessed 12-16-2021 at: https://www.kentucky.com/news/state/kentucky/article256621221.html

Lexington Herald Leader, KY (Bill Estep and Monica Kast). “‘Catastrophic-type damage’ deaths from tornado that hit Bowling Green, KY.” 12-11-2021. Accessed 12-11-2021 at: https://www.kentucky.com/news/state/kentucky/article256511671.html

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New York Post. “2-month-old succumbs to injuries from Kentucky tornadoes, heartbroken parents reveal.” 12-13-2021. Accessed 12-14-2021 at: https://nypost.com/2021/12/13/2-month-old-succumbs-to-injuries-from-kentucky-tornadoes/

New York Times. “Live Updates: Tornadoes Hit Several States, With at Least 70 Dead in Kentucky.” 12-11-2021. Accessed 12-11-2021 at: https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/12/11/us/tornadoes-midwest-south

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Reuters (Cheney Orr). “Night of devastating tornadoes likely kills more than 100 in Kentucky.” 12-12-2021. Accessed 12-12-2021 at: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/fifty-people-likely-killed-tornadoes-kentucky-governor-2021-12-11/

St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Janelle O’Dea, Steph Kukuljan, Nassim Benchaabane), MO. “Tornadoes in St. Louis area leave at least 7 people dead.” 12-11-2021. Accessed 12-12-2021 at: https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/tornadoes-in-st-louis-area-leave-at-least-7-people-dead/article_8d46c89d-4893-5ca9-a214-fc47590b2c23.html

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Tucker Funeral Home, Inc. “Rita Ann Gish.” Accessed 12-15-2021 at: https://tuckerfuneralhomes.com/obituary/rita-ann-gish/

USA Today. “Kentucky governor confirms 63 dead after devastating weekend tornadoes: ‘Undoubtedly there will be more.’” 12-13-2021. Accessed 12-13-2021 at: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/12/13/kentucky-tornado-death-toll-climbs-search-continues-what-we-know/6491593001/

Washington Post (Bryan Pietsch, Adela Suliman, Paulina Firozi). “Death toll expected to rise as recovery effort continues.” 12-12-2021. Accessed 12-12-2021 at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/12/12/tornado-deaths-damage-live-updates/

Washington Post (Jacob Bogage). “District Court judge among the dead in Kentucky” 12-12-2021. Accessed 12-12-2021 at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/12/12/tornado-deaths-damage-live-updates/

Washington Post. “The record-breaking tornadoes that swept the United States, by the numbers.” 12-13-2021. Accessed 12-14-2021 at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2021/12/13/tornado-mayfield-kentucky-amazon/

WKDZ, Cadiz, KY. “Caldwell Coroner Confirms Storm Related Fatalities.” 12-11-2021. Accessed 12-14-2021 at: https://www.wkdzradio.com/2021/12/11/caldwell-coroner-confirms-storm-related-fatalities/news-edge/

WKYT, Lexington. “Gov. Beshear reports 76 Kentuckians killed in western KY. Tornadoes.” 12-20-2021. Accessed 12-20-2021 at: https://www.wkyt.com/2021/12/20/watch-live-gov-beshear-gives-briefing-tornado-damage-response-latest-covid-information/

WLKY, Louisville. “Kentucky tornado updates: Death toll, storm track, impact.”12-15-2021. Accessed 12-15-2021 at: https://www.wlky.com/article/kentucky-tornado-update-death-toll-storm-track-impact/38504608#

KLKY, Louisville. “LIST: Several Kentucky tornado victims have been identified.” 12-14-2021. Accessed 12-14-2021 at: https://www.wlky.com/article/names-kentuckys-tornado-victims-deaths/38505546#

WLKY, Louisville. “Taylor County residents picking up pieces after powerful tornado leaves behind destruction” 12-12-2021. Accessed 12-13-2021 at: https://www.wlky.com/article/saloma-taylor-county-kentucky-tornado-damage/38493093

WPSD 6, Paducah. “LIST: Tornado victims that have been identified.” 12-14-2021. Accessed 12-14-2021 at: https://www.wpsdlocal6.com/news/list-tornado-victims-that-have-been-identified/article_60a2acaa-5d05-11ec-895f-7b36e81ac38b.html

WPSD 6, Paducah (Leanne Fuller and Morgan Reagle). “Memorial of flowers honors lives lost in Mayfield, Graves County.” 12-15-2021. Accessed 12-16-2021 at: https://www.wpsdlocal6.com/news/memorial-of-flowers-honors-lives-lost-in-mayfield-graves-county/article_fcae4526-5e24-11ec-9e32-d7ce6837bab6.html

WPSD Local 6, Paducah, KY. “These are the names of the Dec. 10-11 tornado victims identified in Kentucky.” 12-17-2021. Accessed 12-18-2021 at: https://www.wpsdlocal6.com/news/these-are-the-names-of-the-dec-10-11-tornado-victims-identified-in-kentucky/article_60a2acaa-5d05-11ec-895f-7b36e81ac38b.html

Yahoo.com. “Remains of man missing after Lake Co. tornado found near rubble.” The Jackson Sun, 12-17-2021. Accessed 12-28-2021 at: https://news.yahoo.com/remains-man-missing-lake-co-155440056.html