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NYC Cold Snap Deaths Rise to 16 as Code Blue Response Expands

Preliminary reviews point to hypothermia in most cases as the medical examiner finalizes determinations.

Overview

  • Mayor Zohran Mamdani said 16 people were found dead outdoors since the freeze began, with early findings indicating 13 involved hypothermia and three appearing to be overdoses.
  • The city remains under Code Blue, with expanded warming centers and relaxed intake rules resulting in more than 930 placements into shelters or safe havens.
  • Officials have deployed 20 mobile warming vehicles and opened 50 single-room shelter units, and 18 people were involuntarily transported after being deemed a danger to themselves or others.
  • City Hall says none of the people who died were found in homeless encampments as political critics press for a return to encampment sweeps.
  • Final causes of death are pending with the medical examiner, and Spectrum News NY1 reports the NYPD has confirmed 10 of the 16 cases so far.