Bay Area Heat Wave Turns Deadly, Killing 2 Elderly Silicon Valley Residents: Health Officials

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — Sweltering temperatures claimed the lives of two senior citizens in San Jose on Monday, Santa Clara County public health officials said Wednesday afternoon.

The Santa Clara County medical examiner's office identified the two victims as 72-year-old Dennis Young and 87-year-old Setsu Jordan.

"It is tragic when someone dies of hyperthermia, since in most every case, it could have been prevented," Michelle Jorden, a neuropathologist with the medical examiner's office, said in a statement.

"Hyperthermia and heat stress happen when a body's heat regulation system cannot handle the heat," Jorden said. "It can happen to anyone, which is why it is so important to be in a cool location, drink plenty of water and take a cool bath or shower if you are getting too hot."

The heat wave began on Saturday. The National Weather Service's heat advisory remains in effect until Thursday night as temperatures in the 90s are expected to continue across most of the county.

"Those who are frail or have chronic health conditions, are dealing with drug or alcohol issues or are homeless may be at risk for heat-related illness," Sara Cody, the county's Health Officer and Public Health Director, said in a statement.

"People who work or exercise outside in the heat need to know that even a few hours of exertion may lead to heat-related illness or even heat stress," Cody said. "Never leave children, elderly people or pets unattended
in homes with no air conditioning or in vehicles."

San Jose, Gilroy and Morgan Hill are still under excessive heat advisories, county officials said, and overnight temperatures are expected to remain above normal tonight and Thursday evening.

Overnight low temperatures in the Santa Cruz Mountains will be in the 70s and 80s with other areas of the Santa Clara Valley in the 50s and 60s overnight.

"While it is essential that everyone take special care of themselves, it is equally important that we reach out to those who are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of extreme heat, including children, the elderly and their pets," Santa Clara County Executive Jeffrey Smith said in a statement.

"Extreme heat such as this is not just an inconvenience. It can be dangerous and even deadly," Smith said. "But we can protect ourselves, our families and our neighbors if we take steps to remain cool and hydrated."

Cooling centers have been made available at the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and at public libraries and community centers in San Jose, Santa Clara, Milpitas, Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Saratoga, Los Altos and Campbell.

A list of the cooling centers' addresses and hours can be found at the county's Office of Emergency Services website.

By Bay City News Service / Image via Shutterstock