Fort Worth Authorities Investigate Two Cold-Related Deaths

As North Texas braces for another cold snap, police say they are looking into two deaths believed to be caused by the extreme temperatures.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 6:39pm

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Fort Worth police are investigating two deaths this week that they believe were caused by the cold weather. On Tuesday, officers responded to a call and found an unresponsive woman in a field who was pronounced dead. On Wednesday, police were called to another location and found a man dead inside a tent. Authorities say both victims were likely experiencing homelessness.

Why it matters

These tragic deaths highlight the dangers that people experiencing homelessness face during extreme cold weather events. The Fort Worth Fire Department's HOPE Team has been working to connect with the homeless population and get them to seek shelter, but many still refuse help, often out of fear of leaving their belongings behind.

The details

Police say they responded to a call on Tuesday around 4:41 p.m. in the 2900 block of E. Seminary Dr., where firefighters found an unresponsive woman in a field who was pronounced dead. On Wednesday around 12:50 p.m., police were called to the 6900 block of Northwest Loop 820 service road, where firefighters found a man dead inside a tent. Authorities believe both victims were experiencing homelessness.

  • On Tuesday, January 28, 2026 around 4:41 p.m., police responded to a call.
  • On Wednesday, January 29, 2026 around 12:50 p.m., police responded to another call.

The players

Fort Worth Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the two cold-related deaths.

Fort Worth Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to the calls and found the victims.

HOPE Team

A specialized unit within the Fort Worth Fire Department that works to connect the homeless population with shelter and resources during extreme weather events.

Presbyterian Night Shelter

One of the shelters in Fort Worth that partners with the city to provide emergency housing during cold weather.

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What they’re saying

“We have increased patrols during the extreme weather conditions we have had, but not specifically in these neighborhoods. The increase was city wide.”

— Fort Worth Police Spokesperson

“Go out there and make the message clear: It's going to get dangerously cold. We beg you to please seek shelter.”

— Craig Trojacek, Spokesperson, Fort Worth Fire Department

“We cannot force anybody to do anything they do not want to do.”

— Craig Trojacek, Spokesperson, Fort Worth Fire Department

“I mean, the conditions are so harsh that everybody deserves to have a safe, warm place to sleep, just to rest their head and so that they can figure things out the next day.”

— Brenda Rios, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Presbyterian Night Shelter

What’s next

The city of Fort Worth is discussing adding additional resources to help keep people experiencing homelessness safe during the extreme cold weather.

The takeaway

These tragic deaths underscore the urgent need for more resources and outreach to protect the homeless population from the dangers of extreme cold weather. While the Fort Worth Fire Department's HOPE Team is working to connect people with shelter, many still refuse help, highlighting the complex challenges of addressing homelessness during life-threatening conditions.