ABERDEEN – Sweltering temperatures across Mississippi have claimed a fourth victim in less than a week . Monroe County Coroner Alan Gurley said 50-year old Charles Strawbridge was found dead in his home Tuesday, possibly a victim of heatstroke.
Strawbridge lived on Highway 45 North, just north of Aberdeen, and authorities found him unresponsive on the couch in his den. Relatives said they spoke to Strawbridge late Saturday night and notified the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department when he could not be reached by telephone.
When deputies arrived at the residence, a forced entry was made and Strawbridge was discovered. His body showed no signs of foul play. Officials said there was no air conditioner in the home and the temperature inside was more than 100 degrees.
Authorities believe the heat, which has topped more than 100 degrees all week, with heat indices peaking at 120 in some places, coupled with medical problems may have been a factor in Strawbridge’s death.
An autopsy was scheduled for Aug. 4.
Strawbridge is the second fatality in Monroe County this week, and the fourth case in the state, which may be related to the heatwave.
On Sunday, 81-year old Earnestine Fields was found on the back porch of a neighboring house about 75 yards from her home. Coroner Gurley again contributed Fields’ death to a heatstroke.
On Monday, Aug. 2, Melvin Caldwell, a 48-year old Gulfport construction worker collapsed while spreading concrete on U.S. Highway 613 in coastal Moss Point. Jackson County Coroner Vicki Broadus said Caldwell died of hyperthermia.
Authorities said it was Caldwell’s first day on the job.
Around 5:30 p.m., Monday afternoon, Richard Sims, 48, of Fayette, collapsed while he was mowing his yard. Jefferson County Coroner Lee Felton said Sims had a heart attack which also may have been related to the heat.
Officials continue to warn Mississippians to be aware of the dangers associated with the heat and high indices expected for the remainder of the week.
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