Three people died after experiencing medical events after doing snow cleanup this weekend in Lehigh County.
Coroner Daniel A. Buglio said the three people, between the ages of 60 and 84, were shoveling or cleaning up snow before having a medical emergency. Their deaths were ruled natural.
The incidents, he said, are consistent with “sudden medical events” that area often cardiac-related that happen during strenuous activity like snow removal. That is especially the case with older adults or those with underlying health conditions, according to the coroner.
A winter storm brought more than a foot of snow to the area in what was the Lehigh Valley’s biggest snowstorm in years.
“I remind the public to use caution when shoveling snow, take frequent breaks, stay hydrated, avoid overexertion, and seek assistance when possible — especially individuals with a history of heart disease or other medical concerns,” Buglio said in a statement.
Lehigh Valley digs out from record snowfall as ‘dangerous’ cold moves in; 3 die while clearing snow