Grayson Co. Man Dies After Being Trapped in Winter Storm

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A 77-year-old Grayson County, Kentucky man named John R. Noblett died on January 26 after being found unresponsive near his truck, which had become stuck in a creek bed during Winter Storm Fern. Noblett had been exposed to the single-digit temperatures for several minutes before emergency responders arrived, and his death was ruled an accidental hypothermic cardiac arrest related to the winter storm.

Why it matters

Noblett's tragic death is part of a growing number of fatalities blamed on Winter Storm Fern, which has now claimed 22 lives across Kentucky. The storm has highlighted the dangers of extreme winter weather, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly who may become stranded or exposed to the elements.

The details

According to the Grayson County Coroner's Office, Noblett was found unresponsive by his truck, which had become stuck in a creek bed. EMS and firefighters responded around 10 a.m. and transported Noblett to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The coroner ruled the cause of death as accidental hypothermic cardiac arrest related to the winter storm.

• Noblett was found unresponsive around 10 a.m. on January 26.
• Noblett was pronounced dead at the hospital at 12 p.m. on January 26.

What’s next

Authorities will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Noblett's death and provide updates on the overall impact of Winter Storm Fern across Kentucky.