Pennsylvania. Both incidents, though vastly different in nature, underscored the critical importance of safety precautions during extreme weather conditions and on the roadways.
The first case involved the tragic death of 59-year-old Rober Procious, who froze to death in his residence on Village Street in the Moxham section of Johnstown. According to Lees, Procious’s family had grown concerned after not hearing from him for a week and subsequently requested a welfare check.
When authorities arrived at his home on Friday, January 24, they discovered that he had succumbed to hypothermia. Due to the extent of his condition, investigators had to wait two days before conducting the autopsy, which was performed on Monday. The results confirmed that Procious’s cause of death was hypothermia, and it was ruled accidental.
Lees provided chilling details regarding the circumstances of Procious’s death. The temperature inside his residence was recorded at a frigid 18 degrees Fahrenheit, while his body temperature had dropped to just 22 degrees.
He was found completely frozen, a stark reminder of how dangerous extreme cold can be. According to family members, Procious had been unemployed and had previously sought assistance but had been denied. Despite having a gas furnace in his home, it had been turned off, leaving him without adequate heating.
“During these winter months, especially when we have extremely cold weather, please check on your neighbors and family members as often as possible,” Lees urged during the conference. “It doesn’t take long for your body to succumb to hypothermia, particularly when temperatures dip well below zero.”
Lees further emphasized the dangers of prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, even when they might feel relatively mild, such as in the 30s or 40s. Hypothermia begins when the core body temperature falls to 95 degrees, and in severe cases, it can lead to death within just 20 to 30 minutes.
He encouraged the community to take extra precautions during winter months, including ensuring that vulnerable individuals have access to adequate heating and protection from the cold.
The second tragic incident involved the death of 18-year-old Colin Keough of Latrobe, who was involved in a fatal car crash. Keough was driving a 1987 Porsche northbound on State Route 711 in Ligonier Township when he collided head-on with a Chevy Suburban.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, and Keough was airlifted to Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center. Despite extensive efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday, January 28, while in the Intensive Care Unit.
Lees reported that Keough’s cause of death was multiple blunt force trauma to the torso, and his passing was ruled accidental. Fortunately, the occupants of the Suburban, including the driver and five children, were transported to a local hospital and later released after receiving medical attention.
Lees also noted that the road conditions were dry at the time of the accident, ruling out weather as a contributing factor. Toxicology tests were conducted and sent for analysis, but results could take several weeks to be returned.
The two incidents serve as stark reminders of the unpredictability and dangers present in everyday life. Whether facing extreme weather conditions or traveling on the road, taking proactive measures can be lifesaving.
Lees expressed his condolences to the families affected and reiterated the importance of community awareness and safety precautions to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
