Louisiana investigating two additional hypothermia deaths as toll could rise to five
Officials say new cases involve hypothermia as dangerous cold and outages continue
BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - Louisiana officials are investigating two additional deaths tied to the winter storm, cases that could raise the state’s storm-related death toll to five, officials said Monday.
Gov. Jeff Landry said the new cases involve suspected hypothermia and are still under review by health officials. Louisiana had already confirmed three storm-related deaths, including cases linked to hypothermia and carbon monoxide exposure.
“Those deaths really are heartbreaking and tragic. And so our thoughts and prayers go out to their families, and everyone has been affected,” Landry said.
The Louisiana Department of Health said those two deaths are being investigated and are expected to be added to the official count once reviews are complete.
“What makes the additional two interesting is they both were in their own homes,” LDH officials said. “One was in a mobile home, and the other one in an apartment. And again, I’ll just implore everyone to use our warming centers and warming shelters. Especially for overnight, like tonight. It’s really, really important for those, especially with complex medical issues or vulnerable populations really, really go into use the shelters.”
Health officials reiterated that prolonged power outages combined with repeated hard freezes have created life-threatening indoor conditions, especially for residents without reliable heat.
LDH also announced a carbon monoxide-related death, tied to improper generator use in DeSoto Parish. An 86-year-old man and his two pets were found dead due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Officials said a generator was found in the garage.
State leaders continue to warn that generators must be operated outside and at least 20 feet from homes, never in garages or enclosed spaces.
As of Monday afternoon, LDH said 76 warming centers and shelters are open statewide, with 14 more expected to open. Officials said shelters are not at capacity and are available for overnight stays for anyone whose home has become dangerously cold.
Residents are urged to check on elderly neighbors, friends and family members, use heating equipment safely and seek shelter if power remains out.
“This weather event continues to be very dangerous,” Landry said. “We’re urging you all to take these precautions.”
Officials say updates will be provided as investigations into the additional deaths are finalized.
Click here to report a typo. Please include the headline.
Click here to subscribe to our WAFB 9 News daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox.
Watch the latest WAFB news and weather now.
Copyright 2026 WAFB. All rights reserved.
