The latest reports from Louisiana Department of Health officials show the deadly reality of this winter blast across the region. Officials have now confirmed eight total deaths linked to the freezing temperatures and hazardous conditions. Families across several parishes are still dealing with the aftermath of a week that turned dangerous very quickly.
In Caddo Parish, two men lost their lives due to hypothermia as the bitter cold settled into the area. These cases serve as a sobering reminder of how quickly the extreme conditions can become life-threatening for those exposed to the elements.
Fatalities Mount In DeSoto Parish
DeSoto Parish has seen three separate tragedies as the winter storm continues to cause issue. The DeSoto Parish Coroner confirmed that a 79-year-old woman died from hypoxia after a power outage caused her electric oxygen concentrator to fail. This specific loss highlights the secondary dangers that come with losing electricity during a storm.
DeSoto Parish officials also reported the death of an 86-year-old man from carbon monoxide poisoning, which may have been caused by using a generator in a garage…too close to his home. Additionally, a 46-year-old man was killed in a motor vehicle accident while traveling on icy roads near Mansfield.
Rural Parishes See Cold Related Deaths
The storm in Sabine Parish has claimed two more victims. Two people were found dead in their homes following widespread power failures…A 62-year-old man and a 59-year-old woman are suspected to have died from hypothermia. Many rural residents continue to struggle without heat as utility crews work around the clock to restore service…