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Winter storm possibly contributed to 8 deaths in Knox County

Two people died from crashes believed to be caused by road conditions. Hypothermia is believed to be a factor in the other six deaths, an official said.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Knox County Regional Forensic Center said a winter storm that brought up to eight inches of snow possibly contributed to seven deaths in the county. 

A snowstorm hit the region on Monday, Jan. 16, and left many East Tennesseans stuck in their home—thanks to dangerous road conditions. 

Chris Thomas, the Regional Forensic Center's Chief Administrative Officer, said that the official cause and manner of death will be determined after autopsies and/or exam reporters are finalized. He said this process could take months because of the current caseload. 

TEMA asked the forensic center to report any weather-related death, according to Thomas. 

Thomas said each of the deaths listed below may have secondary factors. Hypothermia also may be a secondary factor to causes not yet determined. 

On Monday, Jan. 16, a box truck driver was killed in a crash on I-75. It's believed that roadway conditions caused the crash. On the same day, a 73-year-old female was found outside at the bottom of a staircase. Hypothermia is believed to be a contributory factor in her death, according to Thomas. 

On Tuesday, Jan. 17, a 50-year-old woman without a home was found dead outside. She was identified as Lisa Shropshire, a woman who was well-known and beloved among Knoxville's homeless community. On the same day, a 71-year-old woman was found inside a home with no heat. Hypothermia is believed to be a contributory factor in both deaths, Thomas said.

On  Friday, Jan. 19, a 47-year-old man without a home was found outside on a mattress underneath several blankets, according to a report from the Knoxville Police Department. Hypothermia is believed to be a contributory factor in his death, according to Thomas.

On Sunday, Jan. 21, a 52-year-old man was killed in a crash on Rutledge Pike. It's believed that roadway conditions caused the crash. On the same day, a 62-year-old woman was found inside a car in a driveway and hypothermia is believed to be a contributory factor in her death, Thomas said. 

On Monday, Jan. 22, authorities found a homeless 74-year-old man outside on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. According to the Knox County Regional Forensic Center, hypothermia was believed to be a contributing factor to his death.

The eighth death may tie Knox County with Shelby County in the number of weather-related deaths, according to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency's latest report. It said a total of 27 deaths were reported across the state Sunday evening, with eight reported in Shelby County. The report issued Sunday evening only accounted for four deaths in Knox County.

Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs sent a statement to WBIR about the deaths. It is available below.

"I’d like to extend my deepest sympathies to the friends and families whose loved ones were taken by this once in a generation storm. Sadly, these deaths are a reminder of how dangerous events like this can be.

The loss of life is obviously tragic, but times like this also remind us of how our community steps up when there is a need. Our first responders and our highway department crews worked hard, long hours, doing their best to clear county roads and streets in unforgiving temperatures and away from their own families. And we also saw compassion. We had thousands of folks volunteer at churches, non-profits and at our warming centers. They provided food and shelter to hundreds of our friends, families, and neighbors. I think we owe all of them a sincere than you and a debt of gratitude."

Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon also sent a statement. It is available below.

“We’ve experienced some extremely dangerous and rare weather. Every life is precious. Losing any community members hits all of us very hard. City first responders, snow crews and warming center volunteers have been working 24/7 for more than a week, trying to protect our most vulnerable and keep everyone safe. This is sad and tragic.”

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