As New York City grapples with plummeting temperatures, the city's medical examiner office has released details about five early deaths linked to January's winter storm. The fatalities occurred between Jan. 24 and Jan. 26 across four boroughs, all of which were attributed to hypothermia caused by exposure to extreme cold.
In three cases, alcohol or ethanol intoxication was listed as a contributing condition, while in another, methamphetamines played a role. A fifth individual died outside St. Barnabas Hospital, with the medical examiner's office citing both hypothermia and acute alcohol intoxication as factors in his death.
Despite stable housing, 67-year-old Frederick Jones perished on the streets of Manhattan due to prolonged exposure. Neighbors had called 311 before the storm hit, yet he succumbed to the harsh conditions. Similarly, Nolberto Jimbo Niola, 52, met a similar fate on a park bench in Queens.
As temperatures are expected to drop even further Saturday night, with lows reaching as low as 5 degrees and winds making it feel like -20 degrees, city officials have stepped up outreach efforts to prevent additional fatalities. The mayor has emphasized that being outside for an extended period poses a significant risk to public health.
However, the city's response has not been without criticism. Coordination issues between various systems have hindered the provision of warming centers and outreach services, with reports surfacing of NYPD officers pushing homeless individuals out of subway stations or threatening to remove their makeshift shelters. In response, the mayor's office announced that police would no longer force people from subway stations unless they posed a danger to themselves or others.
The city has also faced complaints about heating issues, with tenants reporting record numbers of complaints – 80,000 in January alone – mostly due to a lack of heat and hot water. As the winter storm continues to intensify, concerns remain about public health and safety in the face of extreme weather conditions.
In three cases, alcohol or ethanol intoxication was listed as a contributing condition, while in another, methamphetamines played a role. A fifth individual died outside St. Barnabas Hospital, with the medical examiner's office citing both hypothermia and acute alcohol intoxication as factors in his death.
Despite stable housing, 67-year-old Frederick Jones perished on the streets of Manhattan due to prolonged exposure. Neighbors had called 311 before the storm hit, yet he succumbed to the harsh conditions. Similarly, Nolberto Jimbo Niola, 52, met a similar fate on a park bench in Queens.
As temperatures are expected to drop even further Saturday night, with lows reaching as low as 5 degrees and winds making it feel like -20 degrees, city officials have stepped up outreach efforts to prevent additional fatalities. The mayor has emphasized that being outside for an extended period poses a significant risk to public health.
However, the city's response has not been without criticism. Coordination issues between various systems have hindered the provision of warming centers and outreach services, with reports surfacing of NYPD officers pushing homeless individuals out of subway stations or threatening to remove their makeshift shelters. In response, the mayor's office announced that police would no longer force people from subway stations unless they posed a danger to themselves or others.
The city has also faced complaints about heating issues, with tenants reporting record numbers of complaints – 80,000 in January alone – mostly due to a lack of heat and hot water. As the winter storm continues to intensify, concerns remain about public health and safety in the face of extreme weather conditions.
. I mean, you'd think that with stable housing, they'd be safe from freezing temps. But nope, Frederick Jones was out there for hours before it got too bad. And what really gets me is that neighbors called 311 & didn't get any help in time 
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. It's not cool that police were pushing ppl out of subways or threatening to take away their shelters... that's just cruel 
. We should be working together to keep everyone safe, not driving them further into the cold 
. And what about the 80,000+ complaints from tenants? That's just unacceptable 
. We need to get our act together before more ppl lose their lives 
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... I mean, we're talking about human lives lost to something as preventable as being outside without proper gear on a really cold day 
. It's crazy that some people still can't get access to basic services like heat and hot water in their own homes 
We need to keep pushing for better systems in place, ones that actually support our most vulnerable members of society. And let's not forget, it's not just about the physical health, but mental well-being too 
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. But we need to see more concrete changes, like increasing funding for warming centers, affordable housing, and job training programs. That's how we'll truly start to lift people out of poverty and make our city a safer, warmer place for everyone 
The city's outreach efforts are a good start, but we need more resources and support for people on the streets. And yeah, coordination issues are real 
. We can do better than just keeping heads above water - we can help people stay warm and safe! 
. I get that they're trying to help, but coordinating warming centers and outreach services? That's like, a logistical nightmare right there 
. And what's up with the NYPD being all over it? Pushing people out of subway stations? No, no, no! That's just not cool 
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. 80,000 complaints in January alone? That's crazy talk! I mean, I guess it's better than nothing, but...I don't know, man. It feels like we're just patching holes instead of fixing the underlying problems 
. We need to get our priorities straight and make sure everyone has access to warmth and safety during this crazy winter storm 
. Whatever the reason, these people are still suffering, and it's not right.
. It's just common sense to make sure everyone's safe, especially during extreme weather. Let's hope they get it together soon 
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. And, honestly, I'm still not sure if the new policy will make a difference or just be another Band-Aid solution 
We need to do better than just providing temporary solutions – we need to address the root causes of homelessness and poverty.
. We can make this happen if we work together 
especially for ppl who dont have homes to go back to like frederick jones he was only 67 yrs old! how r we supposed 2 keep people safe when our city systems arent even workin right? 
Anyway, back to the storm... I saw a video of that homeless guy who died in the park, poor dude. 
NYPD shouldnt be pushing ppl out of subway stations it's just gonna make things worse 
This is just heartbreaking. Five people lost their lives in those freezing temps... it's like, what can you do when you're literally stuck on the streets? 
The city needs to step up its game, stat! I mean, we know 311 calls are made, but if someone's gonna die, it's gotta be 'cause the system failed them, ya know? 
. I mean, it's not like they're asking for it, people are literally dying on the streets. And what really gets my blood boiling is those officers pushing homeless folks around - that's just heartbreaking 
. I mean, I get it, infrastructure is a thing, but come on, can't they prioritize this stuff when people are literally freezing to death outside? It feels like they're just winging it and hoping for the best 
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