LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — There were 491 heat-related deaths in Clark County this year and that number could climb higher.
Clark County released a report Monday with an update on heat-related deaths. The report only includes cases where the identification is confirmed and the next of kin is notified, said Stephanie Wheatley in a Clark County news release.
The brutal summer heat brought record temperatures to the Las Vegas valley and surrounding areas and resulted in higher-than-usual deaths related to heat.
“90% of cases take up to 90 days to investigate the cause and manner of death. That means this report is not final and does not include every heat-related death that’s happened since June. Wheatley said.
The ages of the victims range from 24 to 94 years old.
The county said certain kinds of drug use make people more susceptible to dying from the heat, including fentanyl. Other contributing factors include illnesses such as heart disease, as well as physical exertion, inappropriate clothing, lack of acclimatization, and failure to drink enough fluids.
