Oregon’s possible heat death toll reaches 17 in July 2024 heat wave

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — Oregon’s list of possible heat-related deaths has grown over the weekend, reaching at least 17 statewide since the latest heat wave began on July 5 .

The latest recorded death took place in Washington County on July 13, though the highest total remains in Multnomah County where at least six deaths are currently under investigation.

More deaths have been recorded in Coos County, Linn County, Klamath County, Jackson County and Washington County, according to data released by Oregon State Police.

The dates, ages, sexes and locations of those who died are as follows:

The identities of all victims have yet to be released. State medical examiners will provide more information as it becomes available – likely in several weeks or months.

“Further tests and investigation will determine whether the deaths are officially hot-weather-related,” officials said. “In some cases, the deaths may be found to have had other causes.”

The state medical examiner has not yet revealed whether there were any commonalities between these deaths, meaning it is unclear if they were unhoused or living alone without air conditioning.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.

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