BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Dangerous heat claimed the lives of two Lehigh County men this week, Coroner Dan Buglio said Wednesday.
With the area under a heat advisory and maximum heat indices nearing 100 degrees this week, Buglio reported the death of a 78-year-old Washington Township man at his residence at 5:56 p.m. Tuesday.
A 76-year-old Allentown man also died in the emergency department at St. Luke’s University Hospital-Fountain Hill less than an hour later.
In both cases, Buglio said the men died of hyperthermia from extreme heat conditions in their homes.
Both deaths were ruled accidental, Buglio said in a release.
Buglio said the identities of the men would be withheld out of respect for the families, but he released details of the cases to raise awareness about the dangers of extreme heat.
“Each year, heat-related illnesses and deaths occur, some of which are preventable,” Buglio said in the release.
He urged residents to check on vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbors, stay hydrated and ensure homes remain adequately cooled during periods of high temperatures.
“A simple phone call, visit or welfare check can make a significant difference and may save a life,” he said.
Last day of extreme heat
A heat advisory remained in effect for the Lehigh Valley until 8 p.m. Wednesday, with heat index values up to 97 degrees expected.
Allentown hit 94 on both Monday and Tuesday, while other parts of the region saw record-setting temperatures.
Philadelphia broke its all-time record high for the month of May with a high of 98 on Tuesday. The old record was 97 degrees, set on May 30, 1991, and May 31, 1991.
Reading also tied its all-time record high for the month of May with a high of 97 degrees. The old record was set on May 20, 1996.
The early season heat coincided with Heat Safety Week, which aims to inform the public of heat-related illness, particularly in vulnerable populations like the very young, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions.
A reported 31 children died in hot cars in 2025, with deaths routinely reported as early as April and continuing into December in southern states.
