Portland, Oregon – A string of deaths suspected to be linked to a heatwave has been reported in Clackamas, Multnomah, and Coos counties. The rising temperatures have led to tragic outcomes in these areas.
In Clackamas County, officials have confirmed the death of an individual due to a suspected heat-related illness. Meanwhile, in Multnomah County, a 33-year-old man was transported from outside the county and passed away at a Portland hospital on July 6.
Authorities in both Clackamas and Multnomah counties are treating all deaths as suspected and are conducting investigations into whether they are connected to the hot weather conditions. In Multnomah County, three additional deaths have been reported, with the first one being an 87-year-old man in the 97230 ZIP code on July 5.
Subsequent deaths include a 64-year-old man in the 97206 ZIP code and a 75-year-old man in the 97216 ZIP code, both reported on July 7. Oregon State Police have also reported the death of a 33-year-old man in Coos County due to a suspected heat-related issue.
In a somber update, authorities added a fourth victim to the list, a 67-year-old woman from Multnomah County who passed away from a possible heat-related issue. Rick Graves of Portland Fire and Rescue disclosed that the agency has responded to 135 heat-related incidents since July 4, highlighting the severity of the situation caused by the ongoing heatwave.