The Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office is investigating three deaths potentially related to the snow and ice storms earlier this month.
The medical examiner’s investigation is ongoing, but none of the deaths were among people experiencing homelessness, according to Marissa Armstrong, communications manager for Clark County Public Health.
More details about the three deaths could take weeks or months to be released.
“In general, there is minimal information that can be released related to these deaths,” Armstrong said.
During the most recent five-year period, between 2018 and 2022, there were fewer than 10 deaths due to cold weather in Clark County.
The medical examiner’s office previously said at the peak of the winter storms Jan. 16 that it had not yet identified any deaths related to the cold weather. Meanwhile, in Portland, four people died of apparent hypothermia during the storms, officials said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines hypothermia as a core body temperature lower than 95 degrees. It happens when someone is exposed to dangerously low temperatures for a prolonged period, and the body cannot produce enough heat.
People experiencing homelessness and living outside are the most vulnerable during these intense weather events.
During the ice storm, Council for the Homeless provided hotel vouchers for 106 people experiencing homelessness, health conditions or mobility issues in Clark County, according to Charlene Welch, communications director. The nonprofit also delivered hand warmers, tents, food, blankets, sleeping bags, gloves and socks to people who preferred to remain at their current location.
