June was the deadliest month on record for heat-related deaths in Arizona's Pinal County, underscoring how dangerous extreme temperatures can be for older adults and people with chronic health conditions.
County officials had confirmed 19 heat-related deaths, with 16 of them occurring in June alone.
What happened?
June's total was almost twice the nine heat-related deaths reported the previous June, according to InMaricopa.
André Davis, division manager for the Pinal County Medical Examiner's Office, said the count could increase as additional toxicology reports are completed.
Maricopa was the location of two of the deaths, including that of 84-year-old Vernitta Alexander, who collapsed at home and died on June 23.
"Although the home was equipped with a functional air conditioning system, the unit was set to 'off,'" Davis said, "Outdoor temperatures reached highs of 107 degrees Fahrenheit in the days leading up to her death, and extreme heat warnings were in effect."
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Garry Folta, 75, died on June 20 inside another dangerously hot home. In both deaths, underlying health conditions also contributed.
Heart disease played a role in 16 of the 19 confirmed heat deaths, or about 84% of the total. Diabetes also contributed in at least one of the Maricopa cases.
Why does it matter?
During periods of severe heat, air conditioning, access to a cool space, and prompt medical attention can be lifesaving.
In a 2023 interview with InMaricopa, John Hu, former chief medical examiner for the Pinal County Medical Examiner's Office, said conditions including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and cirrhosis can make people especially vulnerable because the body has to work harder to cool itself in desert temperatures.
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Heat-related deaths are often tied to age, health, housing conditions, and whether someone can safely keep a home cool.
As Hu said, "They have a lower tolerance, so the heat and the disease contribute to each other."
He added, "Usually, it is an unfortunate situation, like they are in a home without air conditioning."
What can I do?
One of the most important steps is making sure home cooling systems are working and turned on during heat waves. It can also help to check thermostats, change filters, and address repair issues before the hottest part of summer arrives.
Families and neighbors can check in on older adults and people with chronic illnesses, especially those who live alone. A quick phone call or visit can help identify dangerous situations before they become fatal.
People can also reduce their risk by staying hydrated, limiting strenuous activity during the hottest hours of the day, and going to public cooling spaces if temperatures inside the home become unsafe.
Knowing the warning signs of heat illness — including dizziness, confusion, weakness, or collapse — can also help people seek treatment more quickly.
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