Evergreen Park woman dies of cold exposure amid extreme temperature plunge

Neighbors speak out after elderly Chicago woman dies from cold exposure

An elderly woman in Evergreen Park has died after being exposed to extreme cold inside her home, a tragic reminder of the dangers winter weather can pose — especially for seniors living alone.

COOK COUNTY, Ill. - An elderly woman in Evergreen Park has died after being exposed to extreme cold inside her home, a tragic reminder of the dangers winter weather can pose — especially for seniors living alone.

What we know:

Officials said 81-year-old Mary Savisky was found dead Monday inside her home in the 9600 block of South Francisco Avenue.

The Cook County Medical Examiner ruled her death accidental, caused by cold exposure, with heart disease listed as a contributing factor.

Neighbors describe Mary Savitsky as independent and self-sufficient. "She was a hi-and-go type of lady, always coming and going," one neighbor said.

Neighbors say they regularly checked on her. One noticed her car hadn’t moved, and footsteps to her car were missing. When her routine seemed off, they called police, who found her near her garage. It is unclear how long she was exposed to the bitter cold.

Neighbors say Savitsky’s death is a stark reminder to check on loved ones and neighbors. "Pay attention to the small details," one said.

Dig deeper:

Savisky’s death is the 10th cold-related death reported in Cook County so far this winter, according to the medical examiner's office.

Her death occurred on a day when extremely cold conditions blanketed the region. A Cold Weather Advisory was in effect from 3 a.m. to noon Monday as temperatures dropped to near zero. Wind chills fell as low as -25, and highs only reached the upper single digits. Wind chills stayed below zero throughout the day.

Currently, Chicagoland remains in the grip of dangerous arctic air. Early Friday, wind chills were forecast to drop as low as -30 to -40, prompting an Extreme Cold Warning through noon. A Cold Weather Advisory will then remain in effect until 9 a.m. Saturday.

Health officials warn that frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes in extreme cold. Doctors say older adults lose body heat more quickly and may not realize how cold their home has become. Hypothermia can set in indoors if temperatures drop too low.

"It could be that, in this circumstance, even though the wind isn't blowing on their face, there isn't snow coming at them. If the temperature of the room that you're in is cold enough for a long enough period of time, especially in an individual who doesn't have enough of a reserve to kind of counteract those extremes of temperature, it could effect anybody," said Dr. Stephen Jumic, of Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital.

"Elderly individuals have a lot less reserve," he said. "In this weather, hypothermia can set in in just 10 minutes. If someone has underlying heart or lung conditions, exposure should be as brief as possible."

City officials said Chicago warming centers are open during this period of extreme cold. Residents can call 311 to find the nearest warming center or request a wellness check for someone who may be at risk.

What's next:

High temperatures Friday are expected to hover around zero, with temperatures falling to -5 to -10 Friday night into early Saturday. Saturday’s highs should rebound slightly to around 10 degrees, though some areas may remain in the upper single digits.

A storm system is also expected to bring accumulating snow to parts of the area Saturday and Sunday, though snowfall totals remain uncertain.

What you can do:

Warming centers are open across Chicago. Residents can call 311to request wellness checks.

To find one near you, visit data.cityofchicago.org.