Clackamas County is investigating a possible heat-related death after a 55-year-old woman was found dead Sunday while temperatures in western Oregon soared into the high 90s.

The county is not releasing further information at this time.

According to Clackamas County Interim Public Health Director Kim La Croix, medical examiners could take up to several months to confirm the cause of death.

Multnomah County also released a statement yesterday saying a 56-year-old man was found dead the day before. For Multnomah, it’s the third suspected heat-related death this month.

Both adults may have died as a result of the latest heat wave. But this is Clackamas County’s first suspected heat-related death this year.

Over the weekend, Clackamas County saw 101 heat-related visits to urgent cares and emergency rooms. That’s compared to 196 visits during a five-day heat event in June and 179 during a six-day event in July, La Croix said.

However, officials from both counties said efforts are underway to prevent further heat-related illnesses and deaths.

According to La Croix, Clackamas County is focusing on keeping people informed about daytime cooling centers. That includes coordinating with case managers and outreach workers on the ground.

The National Weather Service said the current heat wave is expected to cool off gradually. That’s partly because a lot of heat has accumulated over five days, with warm overnight lows offering limited relief.

“However, it is still going to be pretty warm out there — mid 80s to low 90s,” said Noah Alviz, a meteorologist with the NWS. “So we are still going to be seeing some moderate [or] minor-to-moderate heat risk across the area.”

According to Alviz, that means many could still be at risk of heat-related illness.

“Those who are very sensitive to heat should still take precaution, especially if they don’t have AC, they live on their own and or [they’re] going to be working outside,” he said.

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2025/08/25/suspected-heat-related-death-clackamas-county/