Fort Worth police are investigating what they believe is the city's second suspected cold-weather death this week after an unidentified man was found unresponsive inside a tent on Wednesday. Officers and Fort Worth Fire EMS were called out at about 12:55 p.m., and the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Homicide detectives responded as a matter of routine, and authorities said they do not suspect foul play while the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office works to determine the cause of death and the man's identity.
As first reported by WFAA, officers were called to the 6900 block of Northwest Loop 820 Service Road, where they located the man inside a tent and Fort Worth Fire EMS pronounced him dead on scene. Police told the station the call came in at about 12:55 p.m. and that homicide detectives were dispatched "as per protocol." The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office will determine the official cause of death and release the man's name when appropriate.
Earlier apparent cold-related death this week
Earlier this week, Fort Worth officers responded to the 2900 block of E. Seminary Drive after a woman was found unresponsive in a field. Emergency crews pronounced her dead, and police said the death appeared to be related to the frigid weather. Homicide detectives were notified as part of routine protocol, and the Tarrant County Medical Examiner will determine the official cause and identity, according to The Dallas Morning News.
Storm's reach and the risks for people outside
The Fort Worth cases come as a broad winter storm swept across much of the country, leaving dozens dead and hundreds of thousands without power, as detailed by Reuters. Forecasters warned the arctic air mass would keep temperatures below freezing for days, increasing the danger for people without reliable heating or shelter.
Local shelters and outreach under pressure
Cities and nonprofits opened warming centers and ramped up outreach to help people get indoors. The temporary inclement weather shelter at Fair Park was sheltering more than 1,300 people on Wednesday, The Dallas Morning News reported. Officials and service providers said they were working to connect people with space, hot meals and transportation as frigid conditions continued across the region.
Fort Worth police said they do not suspect foul play in either death and asked anyone with information to contact the department. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner will release identities and official causes when available, according to WFAA. Authorities encouraged residents to check municipal warming-center listings or call 2-1-1 if they need help finding shelter.
