Elderly Homeless Woman and Disabled Son Found Dead in Snow-Covered Car

Victims' desperate call for help went unanswered as police were unable to locate their vehicle in Providence, Rhode Island

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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An elderly homeless woman and her disabled son were found dead inside a snow-covered car in a Providence, Rhode Island parking lot on February 11 - nearly two weeks after a desperate call for help went unanswered. The victims were identified as 75-year-old Irina Kozak and her 49-year-old son Stanislaw Kozak, who had been living out of their white Kia Sorento for about a year. Their deaths were ruled weather-related, with underlying health conditions also cited as contributing factors.

Why it matters

The Kozaks' deaths highlight the compounding vulnerabilities facing homeless individuals during extreme weather, particularly those who are elderly, disabled or face language barriers. It raises serious questions about emergency response protocols and the gaps that can emerge when dispatchers are unable to communicate directly with a person in crisis.

The details

According to a local news report, the initial call to Providence police came on the evening of January 28 when temperatures had plunged to single digits - just three days after a storm buried the city under 20 inches of snow. The caller was not Irina Kozak herself, but a Russian interpreter, the English-speaking boyfriend of a Russian-speaking friend Kozak had contacted. He told dispatchers that Kozak was "disabled inside her white Kia Sorento" and "cannot get out", and that her son had "passed away" and "hadn't moved in two days". However, dispatchers were never able to speak directly with Kozak, and officers were unable to reconnect with the interpreter after the initial call. The Kozaks were ultimately found on February 11 in a parking lot directly adjacent to Miriam Hospital, where the initial call had directed police to search.

  • On January 28, the initial call to Providence police came when temperatures had plunged to single digits - just three days after a storm buried the city under 20 inches of snow.
  • On February 11, the Kozaks were found dead in a parking lot directly adjacent to Miriam Hospital.

The players

Irina Kozak

A 75-year-old homeless woman who was found dead inside a snow-covered car in Providence, Rhode Island.

Stanislaw Kozak

The 49-year-old disabled son of Irina Kozak, who was also found dead inside the snow-covered car.

Providence Police Colonel Oscar Perez

A police official who stated that officers were unable to locate the Kozaks' vehicle because they did not have the license plate number.

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee

The governor who warned residents of further severe weather and urged them to prepare.

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What they’re saying

“We didn't have a plate for the car, noting that without a direct line to Kozak and only a vague location, officers faced significant obstacles in their search.”

— Providence Police Colonel Oscar Perez (WPRI)

“We're tracking a significant winter storm that is expected to impact our state beginning on Sunday evening. Our crews are ready and we'll keep Rhode Islanders informed at every stage. Take steps to prepare now and stay tuned for forecast updates.”

— Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee (WPRI)

What’s next

The Providence Police Department is reviewing the response to determine if any improvements can be made moving forward.

The takeaway

The tragic deaths of Irina Kozak and her son Stanislaw highlight the urgent need to address the compounding vulnerabilities faced by homeless individuals, especially the elderly and disabled, during extreme weather events. This case underscores the critical importance of improving emergency response protocols and ensuring effective communication between dispatchers and those in crisis.