HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — It may take weeks to fully understand the death toll caused by Hurricane Beryl.
At least 13 people in the Houston area are suspected to have died due to the devastating hurricane, and many fear that more fatalities will occur as residents continue to deal with power outages and damage.
While multiple agencies track storm-related deaths, the final count will be determined by the medical examiner, who will consider various factors.
The Shaw family has been without power since Beryl hit last Monday.
visited the family on Saturday as they surrounded 89-year-old Mary Shaw. Despite being under a nurse’s care, Mary passed away the following morning.
“Her body was so hot. I just started putting wet towels and ice on her,” her daughter, Monica Shaw, said.
“We tried to move her to facilities,” added her other daughter, Lisa Shaw. “But the facilities were full, so we couldn’t take her anywhere.”
Mary had suffered from dementia and heart disease for years. Her family may never know what impact, if any, the heat had on her health. What they do know is that she died in discomfort, feeling hot and panicked.
“My mom is gone, but I’ll live with the strength she instilled in us,” Lisa said. “She was like the ‘Old Lady in the Shoe.’ She had six kids of her own, raised six across the street, and had another adopted son and daughter who have been part of our lives for almost 45 years.”
The close-knit family is now concerned about the health of other relatives and neighbors as they enter their second week without power.
“They forgot about us, but they don’t forget to get paid every month,” niece Kimberly Rubit said. “I’ve never missed my bill, so yes, I’m blaming them.”
