A 43-year-old Ohio woman was tragically found dead in her yard – with authorities pointing to hypothermia due to the harsh winter conditions as a possible contributing factor.
Eugenia Michele Wadman was discovered outside her home in Willard, Ohio, on Sunday (January 19), per reports from local outlets WOIO-TV, WKYC, and the Norwalk Reflector.
The Huron County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call about an unresponsive individual just after 11:00AM.
Upon arriving at the scene, deputies found Wadman deceased in her snow-covered yard.
Preliminary findings from the sheriff’s office indicate that Wadman had taken her dog outside during the night while dressed in “only light pajamas”. Investigators believe she fell and sustained injuries consistent with “struggling and crawling on the snow- and ice-covered yard,” WKYC reported.
At the time of the incident, temperatures in the Willard area had plummeted to around 20°F (-6.667°C).
With only light clothing, it is believed that Wadman likely succumbed to hypothermia as she struggled to recover from the fall.
“Hypothermia likely set in quickly due to the mid to low 20-degree temperatures,” the local sheriff’s office said in a statement
Deputies also noted that medical conditions could have played a role, but foul play is not suspected, per the Norwalk Reflector.
The Huron County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation, and an autopsy is being conducted by the Lucas County Medical Examiner.
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This tragedy comes amid a series of cold-related fatalities across the Midwest. Earlier this month, three others were found dead from suspected hypothermia in Ohio: a man in Norwood, an 83-year-old man in Cincinnati, and a 94-year-old woman from Franklin, WCPO reported.
In response to the freezing temperatures, local health departments have been issuing warnings about frostbite and hypothermia.
On January 22, Huron County Public Health shared a Facebook post listing hypothermia symptoms such as shivering, confusion, exhaustion, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness.
Dr. Robert Thomas, an emergency physician at UC Medical Center, urged vigilance, telling WCPO: “If your skin is turning black, purple, blue, or gray, that would also be a reason to seek medical attention. Or if someone is more confused or sleepy than normal after being in the cold, or they complain of a bad headache, those are signs to watch for.”
Wadman’s tragic death serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by extreme cold weather, particularly when individuals are inadequately dressed or exposed to the elements for prolonged periods.
As investigations continue, officials urge residents to prioritize safety during frigid conditions.
Our thoughts go out to Wadman’s family and loved ones at this time.
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