While kids in local schools celebrated the wildest snow storm in years, leading to many days of no school due to weather conditions, there were multiple tragedies that left four people dead in Portland in recent weeks as a result of the cold weather, according to The Oregonian.

Many suffered from the temperatures going well below freezing. And in the case of these four people, hypothermia was the killer for those who struggled struggled to survive with only bare minimum protection from this severe weather.

Hypothermia’s first victim was David Guyot, 68, who died on New Year’s Day. When he was spotted by a passerby at a bus stop, 911 was called. Guyot was then taken by fire and medical crews and passed away at the local hospital he was taken to.

The very next day, Mark Elliot Johnson, 51, died, taking shelter in a business doorway.

Karen Lee Batts, 52, died on January 7th. Batts had been evicted from her low-income apartment complex in October. According to court records, she failed to pay her monthly rent of $338 and a $5 late fee, leading to her eviction.

She was also “damaging apartment property, threatening neighbors and acting erratically,” according to Martha McLennan, executive director of the non-profit apartment complex Batts lived at.

Northwest Housing Alternatives is one of the state’s largest affordable housing providers, but when Batts failed to pay her rent two months in a row, she was evicted and put on the streets. She was last reported to be in the Smart Park parking garage and was found dead and alone by authorities.

The most recent death was 29 year-old Zachary A. Young, who was was “angry at the world,” according to his father Vance. This pushed Young to become an outsider in school, and farther away from his divorced parents. Starting a year ago, Young stopped withdrawing money from the open bank account his parents had for him.

He also ceased to visit the Tigard storage unit that they had been renting for Young’s belongings. His decision to live on the streets ultimately led to his death on Tuesday, January 10th where he was found dead in the woods.

Mayor Ted Wheeler expressed his concern about the amount of “weather preparedness” both with regard to providing adequate help for the homeless population, and to keep the city running smoothly. “I can tell you this today,” Wheeler said. “We can do more.”

He then took to his Twitter to encourage residents and businesses to “take the extra step and help your neighbors!” Wheeler also was active with the Portland shelters and continued to urge residents to assist the homeless find shelter.

Police are calling for help from the Portland public to call the non-emergency line (503.823.3333) if you see someone on the streets, appearing to be suffering from the elements. Homeless shelters are also looking for any donations of clothes and supplies. For a list of shelter resources, please go to 211info.org.

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