The Davidson County Medical Examiner’s office is investigating a third death possibly related to January's historic winter ice storm.
At a press conference Wednesday, Metro Nashville Police Department Chief John Drake said a man was found unresponsive in a bedroom in which responding officers smelled fumes they suspect were unventilated. Drake said the office currently believes the man succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of a generator or kerosene heater.
Officials have not yet publicly identified the deceased individual.
Drake urged Nashvillians to use caution when using devices like generators, kerosene lamps and heaters, which should never be operated indoors or in a garage or attic. He said they must be used outdoors.
This comes as Nashville leaders yesterday reported two deaths potentially linked to the storm, as more than 100,000 people remain without power and endure freezing temperatures. Some outages could last through the weekend, according to officials.
Mayor Freddie O’Connell described the weather event as a “once-in-a-generation storm.”
Top officials warn widespread power outages will last at least 'through the weekend'
“We're still in the response period, and that will eventually transition into the recovery period,” O’Connell said Wednesday.
The mayor noted that Metro has been in “constant communication” with the governor’s office and Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. O’Connell said the state’s response includes the assistance of National Guard troops, though the exact number is unknown.
“Their job and their objective will be to come on the scene and to help,” said Office of Emergency Services Director-Chief Will Swann. “They're basically personnel power. They're there for muscle. They'll be removing debris, helping move trees, getting them off power lines.”
O’Connell and Swann encouraged those who remain without electricity to find another place to stay rather than wait for power to be restored.
“The safest thing that you can do, if you've got alternative means to stay somewhere with a family or friend, go ahead and pull that," Swann said. "Use that plan. Let's look at this as the long plan."
Officials encouraged citizens to utilize warming centers and shelters and to call 615-401-1712 if they need transportation to any of the services. O’Connell also emphasized that WeGo Public Transit is back in full service with adjustments.
Leaders said MNPD and the Nashville Fire Department are able to do welfare checks. They also noted that there is an influx of 911 calls and that people should remain on the line when calling.
“I want to make sure that you understand that even though these are uncomfortable times, I don't want anybody to feel like they're hopeless and helpless,” Swann said. “If there is an emergency, call 911. We will get to you.”
Metro Water Services Director Scott Potter said there are no concerns about water quality in Nashville, though there have been nine water main breaks with seven additional mains under investigation.
“That number is going to go up,” he said. “As we continue to thaw, we'll see more main breaks, and I need everybody to call 615-862-4600 if you see a main break or indications therein.”
This article was first published by our sister publication, the Nashville Post.
