Oregon's possible heat death toll reaches 17 in July 2024 heat wave

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Oregon's list of possible heat-related deaths has grown over the weekend, reaching at least 17 statewide since the latest heat wave began on July 5.

The latest recorded death took place in Washington County on July 13, though the highest total remains in Multnomah County where at least six deaths are currently under investigation.

More deaths have been recorded in Coos County, Linn County, Klamath County, Jackson County and Washington County, according to data released by Oregon State Police.

The dates, ages, sexes and locations of those who died are as follows:

Date	Age	Sex	Zip Code	County
July 5	87	Male	97230	Multnomah County
July 6	33	Male	Unknown	Clackamas County
July 6	54	Male	Unknown	Jackson County
July 7	33	Male	Unknown	Coos County
July 7	64	Male	97206	Multnomah County
July 7	75	Male	97216	Multnomah County
July 8	67	Female	97212	Multnomah County
July 9	72	Male	97203	Multnomah County
July 9	83	Male	97005	Washington County
July 11	56	Male	Unknown	Linn County
July 10	54	Male	Unknown	Jackson County
July 10	73	Female	97006	Washington County
July 10	74	Female	Unknown	Douglas County
July 10	76	Male	Unknown	Douglas County
July 10	87	Male	97124	Washington County
July 11	62	Male	97219	Multnomah County
July 13	81	Male	97140	Washington County

The identities of all victims have yet to be released. State medical examiners will provide more information as it becomes available – likely in several weeks or months.

“Further tests and investigation will determine whether the deaths are officially hot-weather-related," officials said. "In some cases, the deaths may be found to have had other causes."

The state medical examiner has not yet revealed whether there were any commonalities between these deaths, meaning it is unclear if they were unhoused or living alone without air conditioning.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.