Woman Dies of Suspected Hypothermia at Oregon Retirement Home: 'Very Sad'

Mar. 15, 2025

Crime scene tape.Photo: Getty

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 theWashington County Health and Human Servicesin 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.”

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“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.

There have been more than 35 winter-related deaths across the country since Jan. 12.

source: people.com