Phoenix area’s 1st heat-related death of 2025 attributed to injuries from 2024

PHOENIX – Metro Phoenix health officials announced the region’s first confirmed heat-related death of 2025 on Wednesday.

However, the death was attributed to heat-related injuries sustained in 2024, according the Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH).

“This death is a tragic reminder that the effects of extreme heat can be long-lasting,” Dr. Nick Staab, MCDPH chief medical officer, said in a press release. “Although the individual sustained heat-related injuries in 2024, he did not pass away until 2025. It highlights the serious and sometimes delayed impact heat can have on our health.”

The victim was described as “an older adult male,” but no other details about the case were released.

MCDPH also reported that 63 deaths suspected of being heat-related this year were under investigation by the Medical Examiner’s Office as of May 31.

How many metro Phoenix heat-related deaths were confirmed in 2024

Maricopa County officials wound up confirming 608 heat-related deaths in 2024, down from 645 the previous year. It was the Valley’s first year-over-year decline since 2014.

Only 602 of the 2024 heat-related deaths had been confirmed when the county’s annual preliminary report was released earlier this year.

“We urge residents to stay informed, take precautions and use available resources,” Staab said. “Heat-related deaths are especially tragic because they’re preventable.”

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