Authorities: Hot Weather Factor In 2 Weekend Chicago Deaths
CHICAGO (AP) — Authorities say hot weather was a contributing factor in the separate deaths of two people in Chicago over the weekend.
The Cook County medical examiner's office says the cause of death in both cases Saturday was heart disease, specifically coronary atherosclerosis. But details of autopsies for 71-year-old Bettye Richmond and 54-year-old James Alighire say "heat stress" was a factor in their deaths.
The deaths came as Chicago and large swaths of the country felt stifling heat. Temperatures have since eased in the city.
The heat had forced the cancellation of several outdoor events in Chicago. Humidity levels were high and cooling centers were set up around the city.
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