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PHOENIX (June 4, 2025)—The first confirmed heat-related death of 2025 in Maricopa County is an older adult male who died from injuries sustained during the 2024 heat season. This comes as Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) releases the final 2024 heat-related deaths report, with 608 confirmed heat-related deaths, marking the first year-over-year decrease in such fatalities since 2014.
“This death is a tragic reminder that the effects of extreme heat can be long-lasting. Although the individual sustained heat-related injuries in 2024, he did not pass away until 2025,” said Dr. Nick Staab, Chief Medical Officer for MCDPH. “It highlights the serious and sometimes delayed impact heat can have on our health.”
MCDPH continues to collaborate with community partners to implement effective heat mitigation strategies following last summer’s record-breaking high temperatures, including expanded cooling center hours of operation and targeted interventions for high-risk populations.
“We urge residents to stay informed, take precautions, and use available resources,” adds Dr. Staab. “Heat-related deaths are especially tragic because they’re preventable.”
Key findings from the final 2024 Heat-Related Deaths Report include:
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Demographics: Approximately 76% of the deaths were among Maricopa County residents. Men accounted for over 75% of the fatalities, and nearly 60% were individuals aged 50 or older.
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Location and Living Situation: More than three-quarters of the deaths occurred outdoors. Notably, 49% of the deceased were experiencing homelessness at the time of death.
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Health and Substance Use: About 45% had a medical history of cardiovascular disease, and 57% of the deaths involved substance use. Among substance-involved deaths, nearly 90% involved stimulant drugs.
As of the week ending May 31st, there are 63 suspect heat-related deaths currently under investigation by the Office of the Medical Examiner. To protect decedents’ confidentiality, the 2025 heat-related illness and death surveillance dashboard will be published after five confirmed heat-related deaths have been reported. Prior to the dashboard going live, MCDPH will post weekly updates to counts on Tuesdays on its heat surveillance page.
“The dashboard is a valuable tool for sharing preliminary heat surveillance data throughout the season. It helps us identify trends, focus outreach efforts, and support partners in protecting those most vulnerable to extreme heat,” said Dr. Staab.
People suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to compensate and properly cool themselves. Here are some tips to stay heat safe:
- Stay hydrated; drink water before you feel thirsty.
- If you’re sweating heavily or active for long periods, consider drinks with electrolytes to help replace salts and minerals.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Use air conditioning whenever possible. Fans alone are not effective when temperatures exceed 95°F.
- Check on older adults and people living alone often. If something increases their risk, like losing power or air-conditioning, you can help them get to a safer, cooler place.
- Never leave children, pets, or anyone else in a parked car.
- Seek medical care immediately if you have, or someone you know has, symptoms of heat-related illness like muscle cramps, headaches, vomiting, confusion, no longer sweating, and rapid heart rate
- Find nearby cooling and respite centers: azmag.gov/heatrelief
- Access heat relief services: Call 2-1-1 or visit maricopa.gov/heat
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