Woman Dies of Suspected Hypothermia at Oregon Retirement Home: 'Very Sad'
The death of the 63-year-old woman reportedly occurred at Summerfield Estates, a retirement community in Tigard, Oregon
The death of a 63-year-old Oregon woman whose body was found in her home Monday may be linked to hypothermia, authorities said.
“The death is under investigation as hypothermia related,” said the Washington County Health and Human Services in a news release Tuesday. “Further tests will determine cause and manner of death. Confirmation will not be complete for several weeks to months. No other details are being released at this time.”
Related: 11-Year-Old Texas Boy Dies of Suspected Hypothermia After Home Loses Power During Snowstorm
As reported by The Oregonian, the death occurred at Summerfield Estates, a retirement community in Tigard.
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“Monday just before noon, we were notified by staff at an independent living facility that a 63yo woman was found deceased in her room,” said Kelsey Anderson, a public information officer for the Tigard Police Department via a statement obtained by PEOPLE.
Related: South Carolina Father and Daughter Found Frozen to Death Near Their Crashed Truck
“We can’t speak to her medical history,” Anderson further added, “but when we responded the thermostat had been turned down and the window was left open. Due to our snow/ice storm, I think it’s important to clarify this was not a situation where a person lost power or where a welfare check went unattended.”
PEOPLE reached out to Summerfield Estates for comment Friday. Tracey Johns, the executive director of the retirement community, earlier told The Oregonian that the residents have the ability to adjust the temperatures in their rooms. Johns further commented, “It’s very sad," in response to the woman's death.
Related: ‘Unprepared’ Hiker Wearing ‘Only a Cotton Hoodie’ Rescued from Mountain During 'Severe' Snowstorm
According to Fox affiliate KPTV, this marks the first death in Washington County that is linked to suspected hypothermia.
Oregon is one of several states that experienced fatalities related to recent extreme winter weather. As previously reported by the Portland Tribune, the Multnomah County Medical Examiner is investigating two deaths possibly related to hypothermia. The outlet said that one male from Northeast Portland and another from North Portland were found deceased on Jan. 12 and 13, respectively.
There have been more than 35 winter-related deaths across the country since Jan. 12.
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