Statement From Marion County Medical Examiner's Office On Heat-Related Deaths
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Statesman JournalStatement From Marion County Medical Examiner's Office On Heat-Related Deaths
Uploaded by
Statesman JournalDr.
DOUG ELIASON DO CPE
PAIGE CLARKSON MEDICAL EXAMINER
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
ROBERT ANDERSON
CHIEF MEDICAL LEGAL DEATH
INVESTIGATOR
MARION COUNTY MEDICAL EXAMINER’S OFFICE
3180 CENTER ST NE RM #1217
SALEM, OREGON 97309
(503) 588-5530 FAX (503) 566-2924
Thursday, July 01, 2021
The Marion County Medical Examiner’s Office, in cooperation with the Oregon State
Medical Examiner’s Office, is currently investigating 11 deaths which we believe may be
related to the recent heat wave which affected the Willamette Valley and surrounding
regions between June 26 and June 28. In all cases, further testing is needed due to
multiple complicating comorbid factors such as substance use and underlying medical
conditions. In many cases these decedents were unhoused or in environments with no air
conditioning available to them. The final cause and manner of death in these cases will
ultimately be determined by the physician Medical Examiner as toxicology results
become available. Cases currently under investigation include 11 males ranging in age
from 37 to 74. There were 7 deaths in Salem, 2 deaths in Keizer, and 2 deaths in
Woodburn. Numbers of deaths may fluctuate as cases continue to be reported to our
office. No further information is available for release at this time.
