3 weather-related deaths in Abilene including man who 'froze to death' in his home

ABILENE, Texas — Three people died in Abilene due to the extreme cold this week, including a man who froze to death in his home.

Abilene Fire Chief Cande Flores said he first death was a homeless man who died from exposure to the elements.

According to Justice of the Peace Sparky Dean, the 67-year-old man was found dead about 6 a.m. Monday at the corner of Walnut and N 6th streets.

Dean said police told him the man had refused help from both them and family members.

On Wednesday, a 60-year-old man was found dead in his home in north Abilene.

The victim's wife said they had not had power for three days.

AFD crews noted the temperature inside the home felt as cold as the temperature outside.

The wife. 72, was taken to the hospital.

The third victim died Wednesday at a "local medical facility."

Flores said the facility was unable to provide necessary treatment due to the loss of water pressure.

The patient was scheduled for a transfer to another local facility but died before they got there.

Flores said the transfer was not delayed due to weather conditions.

"We know that most deaths can be prevented. The things that we see are usually traumatic," Flores said "So when we get called to those instances, they all have some sort of regret to them one way or another. We don’t like seeing it. But we continue doing our job and we continue to get ready for the next call.”

There were at least two other weather related deaths in Buffalo Gap.