The death toll from the Blizzard of 22 now stands at 32 — or greater.
According to numbers provided by Erie County, there have been 31 storm-related deaths in Erie County. At least one storm-related death has also been reported in Niagara County.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz offered a breakdown of of the cause of deaths in the county he heads:
17 were found outside
7 were from no heat
3 were from cardiac events due to shoveling or snow blowing
3 were in a stranded vehicle
1 was from an EMS delay
The one reported death from Niagara County was the result of carbon monoxide poisoning. The Niagara County Sheriff’s Office reported today that the deceased was 27-year-old Timothy M. Murphy of the Town of Lockport. A second person from the same incident remains in intensive care in Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston.
The Blizzard of ’77 was responsible for 23 deaths, according to official records.
It’s expected that additional deaths from this year’s storm will be reported or attributed to the blizzard.
