Six people died after snow cleanup activities this winter in Lehigh County, according to officials.
Coroner Daniel A Buglio said Tuesday the six deaths were associated with snow removal activities or winter cleanup efforts after major snowstorms this season. It was the highest in at least three years, he said.
“These tragic incidents highlight the dangers of strenuous snow removal, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions. Cold temperatures combined with heavy physical exertion can place significant stress on the heart and cardiovascular system,” he said Tuesday in a news release.
“My office extends our deepest condolences to the families affected by these tragic events and I also want to recognize and thank the many first responders and emergency personnel who worked throughout the winter season to protect our community.”
Half the deaths happened in late January, after one of the biggest snowstorms in years. Three people between the ages of 60 and 84 died.
More than a foot of snow fell in some areas of the Lehigh Valley during that storm.
To date, 35.5 inches of snow have fallen this winter, making it the snowiest winter since the winter of 2020-21, when 58.1 inches of snow fell. Nearly 21 inches of snow fell in January alone.
No major snowfall is in the seven-day forecast.