Eight bodies found dead outside in NYC amid subzero temperatures
Since Saturday, a chilling trend has unfolded across New York City as freezing temperatures have claimed the lives of eight people who succumbed to the harsh conditions on streets and sidewalks. Temperatures plummeted to low-20s levels in Brooklyn and the Bronx on Monday morning, prompting authorities to sound the alarm about hypothermia.
The first two victims were found dead outside in the early hours of the day: a 90-year-old woman in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Shortly after, another unresponsive man was discovered outside his home in the Norwood section of the Bronx, but his identity remains under wraps pending family notification.
Police are now investigating all eight cases, including those involving individuals who had previously interacted with New York City's shelter system. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has expressed deep condolences to families and friends of the victims, urging residents to seek help if they notice anyone in distress outside.
Homelessness is a significant issue here. Andrew Chappotin, a 38-year-old man who has been without a home for three years, vividly described his desperate plight during an interview with Gothamist. He recalled spending hours on the streets due to lack of warmth and struggled to find shelter during periods of extreme cold.
"I could have easily been one of those victims," Chappotin said. "There have been times that I was in distress outside, publicly in distress, I needed help, and I've had dozens upon dozens of people just walk past me in those moments... Those 8 people that passed away — I'm pretty sure that somebody ignored them as well."
Shelters are currently accepting all visitors during this cold weather crisis. Department of Social Services Commissioner Molly Wasow Park emphasized the importance of seeking medical care when necessary, saying an individual deemed at risk is likely to be taken to a hospital for treatment.
New Yorkers can report anyone they see outside in distress by calling 311 and connecting them directly with 911 emergency responders during the current "Cold Blue" protocol.
Since Saturday, a chilling trend has unfolded across New York City as freezing temperatures have claimed the lives of eight people who succumbed to the harsh conditions on streets and sidewalks. Temperatures plummeted to low-20s levels in Brooklyn and the Bronx on Monday morning, prompting authorities to sound the alarm about hypothermia.
The first two victims were found dead outside in the early hours of the day: a 90-year-old woman in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Shortly after, another unresponsive man was discovered outside his home in the Norwood section of the Bronx, but his identity remains under wraps pending family notification.
Police are now investigating all eight cases, including those involving individuals who had previously interacted with New York City's shelter system. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has expressed deep condolences to families and friends of the victims, urging residents to seek help if they notice anyone in distress outside.
Homelessness is a significant issue here. Andrew Chappotin, a 38-year-old man who has been without a home for three years, vividly described his desperate plight during an interview with Gothamist. He recalled spending hours on the streets due to lack of warmth and struggled to find shelter during periods of extreme cold.
"I could have easily been one of those victims," Chappotin said. "There have been times that I was in distress outside, publicly in distress, I needed help, and I've had dozens upon dozens of people just walk past me in those moments... Those 8 people that passed away — I'm pretty sure that somebody ignored them as well."
Shelters are currently accepting all visitors during this cold weather crisis. Department of Social Services Commissioner Molly Wasow Park emphasized the importance of seeking medical care when necessary, saying an individual deemed at risk is likely to be taken to a hospital for treatment.
New Yorkers can report anyone they see outside in distress by calling 311 and connecting them directly with 911 emergency responders during the current "Cold Blue" protocol.
. And don't even get me started on the whole "Cold Blue" protocol – calling 311 to report someone in distress? That's cool and all, but have you seen those temperatures lately? It's crazy how quickly hypothermia can set in. I mean, I'm all for helping people out, but what about our own phones being our worst enemy sometimes? 
It makes me wonder if maybe some of us could be doing more to help, like carry an umbrella or buy someone a hot meal when they look like they need it most.
Like, what if they're in on some kind of conspiracy to keep homeless people out of sight?
This is what happens when the government doesn't prioritize its own citizens.
I'm keeping an eye on this story, for sure... 
. shelters r open now but its not just about the physical space, its about mental health & sense of humanity too 
. we should all be doin more to check in on each other, especially during harsh weather conditions 
.
shelter services are open now tho, so if u see someone out there, just call 311 or 911 & get them the help they need ASAP 
[Image of a homeless person shivering on the street, with a red X marked through it] 
meanwhile shelter system is open 
but nobody cares 
[GIF of someone walking past a homeless person while looking away]
! I feel so bad for those eight people who lost their lives on the streets... it's just heartbreaking. And to think that some people were actually ignored by strangers when they needed help 
. It makes me wonder if our society has really come as far as we thought.
.
Andrew's story just broke my heart, he almost became one of the victims himself, can't even imagine what he must be going through in that situation... gotta make sure everyone's aware of this cold blue protocol and report anyone outside who needs help ASAP 
. We gotta do better than this NYC, we gotta take care of our own 
.
. It feels like we're goin' back to those crazy days of '98 when a homeless guy froze to death on the Brooklyn Bridge, remember that? And it's still so sad how nobody stopped him that day... Anyway, shelters are doin' their thing now and people can get help if they need it. We just gotta look out for each other, like we did back in the day... you know, when things were a little more chill 
. I'm glad the city is on high alert now, but at the same time, I wish we didn't have to deal with this stuff in the first place 
. The fact that people were just walking past those who needed help is just devastating 
. The "Cold Blue" protocol is a good start, but we gotta make sure ppl know about it 
. Can't just sit back & watch people suffer outside, especially during this harsh weather 
.
I'm not saying tech isn't useful, but it's got to be used in a way that actually addresses the root causes of problems like homelessness, rather than just treating symptoms. We need more than just apps and alerts – we need real solutions that put people first, you know?