3 Deaths Linked to Extreme Cold, Heavy Snow in Marion County

Coroner's office urges residents to take precautions during periods of extreme weather.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 5:47pm

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The Marion County Coroner's Office reported three deaths linked to the recent extreme cold temperatures and heavy snowfall in the area. The victims include a 61-year-old man, a 69-year-old woman, and a 59-year-old woman, all of whom were found in or near their homes without access to adequate heat.

Why it matters

Extreme winter weather can pose serious health risks, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly or those without reliable heating sources. This tragic incident highlights the importance of community preparedness and checking on at-risk neighbors during periods of dangerously cold temperatures.

The details

On Saturday, 61-year-old William Johns Jr. was transported to the emergency room after being found in his home, which reportedly had no functioning heat. Also on Saturday, 69-year-old Ellen Siakotos was found dead inside her home, possibly from hypothermia, with the presence and status of a heat source remaining unknown. On Monday, 59-year-old Violet Wells was found outside her home in the snow, next to a snow shovel.

  • On Saturday, 61-year-old William Johns Jr. was found.
  • On Saturday, 69-year-old Ellen Siakotos was found dead.
  • On Monday, 59-year-old Violet Wells was found outside her home.

The players

William Johns Jr.

A 61-year-old man found in his home with no functioning heat.

Ellen Siakotos

A 69-year-old woman found dead inside her home, possibly from hypothermia.

Violet Wells

A 59-year-old woman found outside her home in the snow, next to a snow shovel.

Marion County Coroner's Office

The office that reported the three deaths and is urging residents to take precautions during extreme cold.

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What they’re saying

“The Marion County Coroner's Office urges residents to take precautions during periods of extreme cold, including ensuring access to a safe and reliable heat source, checking on elderly neighbors, family members, and individuals living alone, and seeking warming centers or emergency assistance when heat is unavailable.”

— Marion County Coroner's Office (wishtv.com)

What’s next

The coroner's office is continuing its full forensic evaluations to determine the official causes and manners of the three deaths.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the critical importance of community preparedness and checking on vulnerable neighbors during extreme winter weather events to prevent similar outcomes in the future.