NJ Man Dies While Shoveling Snow, Found With Shovel In Hand: Police

VERONA, NJ — A man apparently died while shoveling snow during a heavy winter storm in Essex County over the weekend, authorities say.

Police responded to Beach Road and Martin Road in Verona at 12:44 p.m. on Sunday after getting a report about a person down on the sidewalk.

Verona Police Chief Christopher Kiernan said the officers found a 67-year-old man lying on his back with a shovel in his hand.

Officers began performing CPR on the unresponsive man, and the Verona Rescue Squad transported him to Mountainside Medical Center in Montclair. He was pronounced dead at the hospital, authorities said.

Snow, ice, wintry mix and subzero wind chills lashed the Garden State on Sunday. The massive winter storm deprived thousands of power and left roads snowbound.

Gov. Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency that went into effect on Saturday across all 21 counties in New Jersey.

Some parts of Essex County got upwards of a foot of snow during the weekend winter storm, according to the National Weather Service.

>> MORE: Essex County Snowfall Totals: Storm Leaves Region Blanketed In Snow

DANGERS OF SNOW SHOVELING

Shoveling snow is more than just an unpleasant chore – it can be deadly, experts say.

Each year, snow shoveling leads to nearly 100 deaths, in addition to 11,500 injuries or medical emergencies that require treatment, according to Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Most injuries occur from either overexertion while shoveling or slipping and falling on ice. Cardiovascular injuries such as heart attacks account for most of the fatalities, researchers say.

“Snow shoveling is a known trigger for heart attacks,” an article on the Harvard Medical School website says.

“Picking up a shovel and moving hundreds of pounds of snow, particularly after doing nothing physical for several months, can put a big strain on the heart,” the article continues. “Pushing a heavy snow blower can do the same thing. Cold weather is another contributor because it can boost blood pressure, interrupt blood flow to part of the heart, and make blood more likely to form clots.”

• See Related: These Snow Shoveling Tips Might Save Your Life

According to the American Heart Association, it’s important to be prepared and take it easy – including taking short breaks. The nonprofit also says snow shovelers should learn the common signs of heart trouble. If they experience chest pain or pressure, lightheadedness or heart palpitations or irregular heart rhythms, they should immediately stop the activity – and call 911 if symptoms don’t subside shortly afterwards.

A cardiologist at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston previously shared some safety tips for snow shovelers with Patch:

• Wear adequate, protective and warm clothing, including a hat, gloves and warm boots
• Dress comfortably and warmly, using layers
• Stretch out your muscles before going out to shovel
• Drink plenty of water to make sure you are hydrated, and avoid caffeinated beverages
• Start slowly and increase your heart rate gradually
• Push the snow instead of lifting it
• Take frequent breaks and go inside to warm up

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