Phoenix, AZ – The first heat-related death reported in the United States this year occurred in February, months after the victim experienced extreme heat exposure during the summer of 2024.
Health officials in Maricopa County, Arizona, confirmed that the 55-year-old man’s death was directly tied to last year’s record-breaking heat. Though the exposure happened in 2024, the delayed medical impact extended into 2025, resulting in a fatal outcome. The case is being classified as the first official heat death of the current year.
This development underscores how heat-related illnesses can have prolonged effects on the body. It also adds to the death toll from 2024, which saw 608 confirmed heat deaths in Maricopa County alone — the highest in the country. Despite the high number, it marked the first year-over-year decline in heat-related fatalities since 2014. More than 75% of those deaths occurred outdoors.
As of May 31, county officials are investigating 63 additional suspected heat-related deaths. Public health agencies nationwide are warning that rising summer temperatures in 2025 could pose continued risks, especially for older adults, outdoor workers, and people without reliable access to cooling.
To reduce risk, officials recommend the following:
- Stay hydrated and consume electrolytes during extended outdoor activity
- Wear loose, light-colored clothing and sun protection
- Use air conditioning when possible or visit public cooling centers
- Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles
- Check in regularly with elderly neighbors and those living alone
- Be alert to signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke and seek medical attention immediately
With extreme heat becoming a growing national threat, communities are expanding emergency cooling services and awareness campaigns to protect high-risk populations this summer.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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