HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — It may take weeks to fully understand the death toll from Hurricane Beryl.
At least 13 people in the Houston area are believed to have died due to the devastating hurricane, and concerns are growing that more fatalities may occur in the coming days 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 several factors.
The Shaw family has been without power since Beryl hit last Monday.
was present on Saturday as the family 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, trying to cool her down,” said her daughter, Monica Shaw.
“We tried to move her to a facility,” added her other daughter, Lisa Shaw. “But all the facilities were full, so we couldn’t take her anywhere.”
Mary had been suffering from dementia and heart disease for years.
Her family may never know the exact impact the heat had on her health.
All they know for sure is that she died in discomfort, feeling hot and panicked.
“My mom is gone, but I will live with the strength she instilled in us,” Lisa said. “She was like the ‘Old Lady in the Shoe.’ She had six children of her own, raised six more across the street, and had an adopted son and daughter who have been part of our lives for almost 45 years.”
The close-knit family is now worried 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,” said niece Kimberly Rubit. “I’ve never missed a bill, so yes, I’m blaming them.”
