An 88-year-old woman, Mary Jane Alano, tragically passed away on Monday in Palos Heights, a suburb southwest of Chicago. Her death was linked to the dangerously cold weather that hit the area.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office confirmed that Alano died around 12:40 p.m. at a residence on Moorings Drive. Her primary cause of death was listed as hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease—a condition related to high blood pressure and narrowed arteries. However, the examiner noted that “probable cold exposure” was a contributing factor. The death has been ruled accidental.
This incident marks the first cold-related death in Cook County this year.
On Monday, the region experienced extreme cold, with wind chill temperatures plunging to 19 degrees below zero. Such conditions pose serious risks, particularly to vulnerable populations like the elderly.
The Palos Heights Police Department has not yet provided further information about the circumstances surrounding Alano’s death.
Cold exposure can be life-threatening, especially for older adults who may have underlying health issues. Residents are advised to take precautions during extreme weather, such as staying indoors, keeping warm, and checking on neighbors who may need assistance.
