Medical examiners investigating three deaths possibly caused by hypothermia

Medical examiners with the West Tennessee Forensic Center are investigating three "possible hypothermia-related" deaths that occurred in Shelby County. 

The deaths have occurred since temperatures in the area have dipped, and stayed, well below freezing over the last few days.

A report from the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency notes three deaths linked to the cold weather — two in Shelby County and one in Maury County. Reports from emergency management offices can fall behind real-time fatality reporting. 

One of those fatalities is likely related to an incident in Millington in which a young boy drowned in an icy pond as he attempted to save his little sister, who fell into the water. 

Read:10-year-old boy who died near Millington was saving little sister from icy pond, pastor says

Memphis police have received no reports of deaths due to exposure, making it unlikely the other reported death occurred within city limits.

The National Weather Service in Memphis is forecasting temperatures to remain below freezing until Saturday. 

There are currently two city-operated warming centers in the Memphis area:

• Hollywood Community Center, 1560 N. Hollywood Street
• Ruth Tate Senior Center, 1640 Marjorie Street 

Two overnight shelters are accepting individuals who need overnight accommodations: the Memphis Union Mission located at 383 Poplar Ave. and the Salvation Army located at 696 Jackson Ave. in Memphis.

Micaela Watts is a reporter with The Commercial Appeal and can be reached at micaela.watts@commercialappeal.com.