Maryland reports first cold-related death this autumn
BALTIMORE (AP) – Health officials say Maryland has seen its first death related to cold temperatures this autumn.
The state Department of Health and the chief medical examiner’s office says a Garrett County man has died from hypothermia. His identity was not disclosed but officials say he was around 65.
It’s the first cold-related death since weather started turning colder in recent weeks. There were 61 cold-related deaths in Maryland during the 2017-2018 winter season.
State health official Fran Phillips calls for state residents to prepare for colder temperatures, warning that “temperatures are expected to plummet across Maryland this Thanksgiving weekend.”
In Baltimore, interim Health Commissioner Mary Beth Haller issued an extreme cold declaration through early Friday. She encourages residents to stay indoors and check in on elderly neighbors.