Investigations into heat-related deaths are increasing in Maricopa County this summer

PHOENIX – The situation is tense, and the numbers don’t lie.

Last month was the hottest June on record in Phoenix, with an average temperature of 97 degrees, nearly two degrees warmer than the previous record set in 2021.

The number of heat-related deaths in Maricopa County is already alarmingly high. For many people living on the streets, the heat is becoming an increasing challenge.

“Heat is known as the silent killer because it can sneak up on you very quickly. Anyone with any kind of underlying medical conditions is at risk,” says Stacey Champion, an advocate for the homeless.

Champion calls for more attention and real-time solutions to combat heat-related deaths. There have already been six confirmed heat-related deaths in Maricopa County this year, including some homeless people.

111 deaths are still being investigated by the county medical examiner for heat-related causes, significantly more than the 77 deaths investigated at the same time last year.

June 2023 was cooler than average before warming in July.

“If you see someone lying on the ground this time of year, that’s not normal. Here, ground temperatures can reach 71.7 to 77 degrees,” Champion said.

The number of heat-related hospital stays is also increasing.

“I think a lot of our employees are working out here in the heat. Our eviction numbers are still skyrocketing,” Champion said.

It’s just as important to keep cool indoors as it is outside. Some people die from heat because their air conditioners are broken or they turn them off to save money. Staying hydrated and checking on your neighbors can help you and everyone else stay safe this summer.

“We need to understand that all of these deaths are largely preventable deaths, and we need to do more as a city, as a county and as a state to address this,” Champion said.