Family of Heat-Death Victim Urge Caution

(Collierville, TN) The Shelby County Health Department confirms its third heat-related death. One of the victim’s families is speaking out so that others will not share their grief.

“She was just full of love  and I think the best way she can share all of that love is by being up in heaven, looking over everyone,” said Amanda Eckersley about her mother, Susan Eckersley who died Monday.

A broken air conditioner, bronchitis, and a sinus affection turned out to be a deadly combination for the 51-year-old.

“It was just everything kind of combined together, unfortunately with disastrous results,” said Amanda.

Susan was found dead in her home on Monday. She is one of now three people who have died heat-related deaths over the last week. A 62-year-old woman and a 60-year-old man also died as the heat beat down on the Mid-South for two weeks in a row.

“It’s hot as hell, quite frankly, and perhaps it’s too soon for jokes, but I even thought, ‘My gosh, my mother had to go up to heaven to get away from this heat,” said Amanda.

Officers broke into Susan’s Collierville home Monday after she failed to answer the door or multiple phone calls.

“We were told by police that it was hot in the house,” Amanda said. “The home warranty company told us that her air conditioner had gone out and had placed it for an emergency, but we did find out yesterday that the heat complicated the sickness that she already had.”

Amanda wants to urge people to look out for their loved ones during this heat wave, especially those who may already be sick.

“Really watch out, if you’re already not feeling well, make sure you stay in the air conditioning, drink plenty of fluids,” said Amanda.

The family says they plan to spread Susan’s ashes on the beach in Destin.

Anyone who needs to escape the heat can use places like public libraries and community as cooling centers.