Peoria woman identified in cold weather-related fatality

Posted on January 23, 2020
Coroner Jamie Harwood said people should check on elderly friends and neighbors frequently for their safety and well-being. (Facebook/Peoria County Coroner’s Office)

 

By Neil Doyle

PEORIA – Coroner Jamie Harwood has identified a woman who died from significant cold exposure in her home.

Joyce Hexdall, 80, was pronounced dead at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday.  Harwood said the woman had significant signs of frostbite and cold exposure. There were no signs of struggle or trauma. The inside of the home was without an operating furnace or heat source, according to the coroner.

Authorities were originally called to the home in the 500 block of East Melbourne Avenue for a welfare check.

Harwood said people should check on elderly friends and neighbors frequently for their safety and well-being.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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