10 Found Dead in NYC During Winter Storm Fern

Victims include 90-year-old woman with dementia who wandered from her home

Jan. 27, 2026 at 3:15pm

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Ten people were found dead outside in New York City during Winter Storm Fern, according to Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The victims include a 90-year-old woman with dementia who wandered from her home in Brooklyn. The causes of death have not yet been determined, but the mayor said the city is expanding emergency services and opening more warming shelters in response to the tragic loss of life.

Why it matters

The deaths highlight the dangers of extreme winter weather, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly and those with cognitive impairments. It raises questions about how cities can better protect at-risk residents during severe storms and cold snaps.

The details

Six people were found dead overnight on January 23, and one more on January 24, according to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. A 90-year-old woman with dementia named Doreen Ellis was found dead in the backyard of a building in Brooklyn on January 26, after wandering from her apartment during the night. She was wearing only a nightgown, headscarf, and one sock when found.

  • On January 23, six people were found dead overnight.
  • On January 24, one more person was found dead overnight.
  • On January 26, a 90-year-old woman with dementia was found dead in Brooklyn.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who announced the 10 deaths and the city's expansion of emergency services.

Doreen Ellis

A 90-year-old woman with dementia who wandered from her apartment in Brooklyn and was found dead in a backyard.

Junior Sharpe

A neighbor of Doreen Ellis who said she had wandered out before, but not in the cold winter weather.

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What they’re saying

“She had done that [wandered out] before, but this was in the summertime. Being that it's cold, you don't think that somebody will go outside. She just got lost.”

— Junior Sharpe, Neighbor (Gothamist)

“We don't yet know whether every case will be ruled hypothermia, but we need every New Yorker to be on alert, looking out for their neighbors.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor (WCBS, WPIX)

What’s next

The city is expanding emergency services and opening more warming shelters to help protect vulnerable residents during the extreme cold.

The takeaway

This tragic loss of life during Winter Storm Fern underscores the need for cities to have robust emergency plans and outreach to protect at-risk populations, especially the elderly and those with cognitive impairments, during severe winter weather events.