3 Deaths After Snow Shoveling: Police

MANASSAS, VA — Three deaths were reported during and after the blizzard, with police noting the deceased had been shoveling snow.

Prince William County Police stress they do not determine the cause of death, only noting the circumstances and that the deaths appear to be medical.

A 73 year-old Woodbridge man collapsed shortly after shoveling snow Sunday evening in the 14200 block of Fontana Court. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Early Tuesday, a 69-year-old man of Gainesville was found unresponsive in bed by a family member and pronounced dead at the home in the 4300 block of Canterbury Lane. He had reportedly shoveled snow earlier in the night and complained of chest pains.

A third incident Friday evening in the 147000 block of Gap Way involved a 40-year-old Haymarket man. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death is being investigated by the medical examiner, but police claim the circumstances appear similar to the other cases.

First responders stress shoveling is a challenge to anyone with an existing heart condition or anyone over the age of 50. Those shoveling should limit the work to only a few minutes at a time, shovel smaller amounts and take frequent breaks.