Couple Killed by Heat Not Neglected, Son Says

A Lehigh County husband and wife who died of hyperthermia were visited by family and caregivers

Couple Killed by Heat Not Neglected, Son Says

A Lehigh County husband and wife who died of hyperthermia were visited by family and caregivers

A local couple who died after the temperature in their home hit 100 degrees did have family and caregivers looking after them, according to a Morning Call report. Lillian Kuzmak, 91, was found dead in her home on Apple Road in Weisenberg Township near Fogelsville on July 9 by a home health care worker. Kuzmak's husband, Joseph, 90, died later at Lehigh Valley Hospital. The Kuzmak's Lehigh County home has air conditioning but it was not turned on. The couple's son says his parents were not obsessive about saving energy and that someone visited their home every day except Sunday, which is apparently when the heat wave took its toll.

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Mary Anne Looby

9:08 am on Monday, July 16, 2012

Well said Elsa, may they rest in peace.   more ›

Heat Kills Local Husband and Wife

Three heat-related deaths in Lehigh County include a couple from Weisenberg Township

The husband of a woman found dead in their house where the temperature was 100 degrees has now also died. This marks the third heat-related death in Lehigh County this week. Joseph Kuzmak, 90, of the 2200 Apple Road was pronounced dead at 4:35 p.m. Wednesday at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Salisbury Township, according to Lehigh County Coroner Scott Grim. Kuzmak's wife, Lillian, was found dead Monday in their home, which has an air conditioner that was turned off. Joseph Kuzmak was taken to the hospital Monday. Both deaths have been ruled accidents. An 86-year-old Allentown man died from hyperthermia on Saturday.

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Heather

6:43 am on Saturday, July 14, 2012

Often as people age, they lose the sense of feeling hot. They like being warm, but do not realize that they are in danger of overheating. My 87 yr old grandmother lives with my parents due to her blindness. My parents turn on her AC whether she thinks she needs it or not because they can feel when the house is getting too hot. As for your comment about this couple living alone, my grandmother …   more ›

Woman Found Dead in 100-Degree Heat

A 90-year-old Lehigh County woman was found dead in her home where the temperature was about 100 degrees Monday

The recent heat wave has claimed a second victim. Lillian Kuzmak, 90, of 2203 Apple Road in Weisenberg Township, was pronounced dead in her home on Monday morning. The Lehigh County coroner says she died of hyperthermia due to excessive heat. Kuzmak's death has been ruled an accident. Her home has air conditioning but it was not turned on. "The ambient air temperature in the household was approximately 100 degrees," according to a press release from the coroner's office. On Sunday, the coroner released information about an elderly Allentown man who died of heat stroke. This week's weather is expected to be more seasonal with highs in the low 80s and lows in the 60s.

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Heat Wave Killed Lehigh County Man

A Lehigh County man was found dead in his home as a result of excessive heat

A Lehigh County man has died as a result of a weeklong heat wave. Llan J. Gacel, 86, was found dead in his home at 835 Chew St. in Allentown on Saturday.  Deputy Coroner Craig Hanzl pronounced Gacel dead at 8:10 p.m. The coroner's office said Gacel died of hyperthermia "due to excessive heat."  Gacel had an air conditioner but it was not turned on. The temperature in his residence was higher than 90 degrees, according to a press release from the coroner's office. Temperatures matched a record high of 99 in Lehigh County on Saturday. 

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