63 perish from Oregon heat, including one in Columbia County
Death toll across state ranges from one in Columbia County to 45 in Multnomah County
At least 63 people perished during a historic heatwave that shattered thermometers and strained hospital systems across Oregon, according to state authorities.
One of the heat-related deaths was in Columbia County, Sheriff Brian Pixley said.
A majority of the deaths 45 occurred in Multnomah Count, state troopers say.
According to initial reports from the Multnomah County Medical Examiner, the deaths since Friday, June 25, were triggered by hyperthermia the clinical term for a deadly body temperature caused by an abnormally hot environment.
Updated: 8:36 PM EDT June 30, 2021
PORTLAND, Ore. At least 63 people have died due to extreme heat in Oregon since a historic heat wave began last week, the Oregon State Medical Examiner s Office said Wednesday. That number could change as counties report more information.
The majority of the deaths reported so far have been in Multnomah County, where at least 45 people have died due to the heat since Friday. Marion County reported nine deaths, Washington County reported five deaths, Clackamas County reported two deaths, and Columbia and Umatilla Counties reported one death each.
Portland set new heat records on three consecutive days, peaking Monday at 116 degrees.
Jul 1, 2021
As of June 30, 2021 the State Medical Examiner’s Office has received report of 63 deaths that preliminary investigation suggests may be associated with the Pacific Northwest heat wave.
This number may change in either direction as more information or reports are received from each County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The Multnomah County Medical Examiner Program has identified 45 deaths related to excessive heat since Friday, June 25. The preliminary cause of death is hyperthermia. Hyperthermia is an abnormally high body temperature caused by a failure of the body to deal with heat coming from the environment.
The people who died ranged in age from 44 to 97; and include 17 women and 27 men. (records regarding gender were not all complete). Many had underlying health conditions. Many of those who died were found alone, without air conditioning or a fan.
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