Medical Examiner investigating five heat-related deaths

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Medical Examiner's Office is investigating yet another suspected heat-related death. The victim, a 64-year-old woman, was discovered in her home near S. 15th and Becher St. Saturday, July 20th.

According to officials, the woman, who lived with her sister, developed trouble breathing in her home. The woman had a body temperature of 110 degrees.

Upon arrival, officials say the temperature in the home was 93 degrees and all windows were closed. Authorities say the home did have an air conditioner, but the woman was unable to install it on her own.

"It's the cumulative effect of extreme heat that makes it dangerous," said Milwaukee Health Commissioner Bevan Baker. "It can creep up on individuals, particularly where they don't have access to a cool space."

Officials say the family never opened any windows due to fear of shots being fired in the neighborhood.

"At night it gets a little leery," said neighbor Wilma Steffenson. "People get rough, stuff like that. And when you get older you tend to stay on your porch. You stay inside."

Officials with the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office are also investigating four other heat-related deaths.

A 44-year-old man was found unresponsive in an alley near 48th and Morgan on the city’s south side on Wednesday, July 17th. He was discovered around 7:30 p.m. and admitted to St. Luke’s Medical Center with a body temperature of 108 degrees. He was pronounced dead on July 18th.

A 71-year-old man was found in a home near 85th and Capitol Dr. on Friday afternoon, July 19th. Officials say it was 98 degrees in the victim’s house — and his core temperature was 102 degrees. The house was sealed up, there were no windows open, no fans on and no air conditioning in the house.

A 79-year-old man was found in a home near North and Cambridge on the city’s north side Friday. The house, like that of the second victim, was sealed up, had no fans and no air conditioning. Investigators say it was 98 degrees in the house and the victim’s core temperature was 107 degrees when he was found.

Lastly, a 69-year-old man was admitted to St. Joseph's Hospital on Thursday, July 18th from a home on N. 41st in Milwaukee. The victim had a body temperature of 102 degrees. He was pronounced dead shortly after 10:30 p.m. on July 19th.

CLICK HERE to learn about options to help you check on relatives or friends