MARION COUNTY — A powerful winter storm and dangerously cold temperatures may be responsible for the deaths of three people in Marion County, according to the county coroner. Officials say the fatalities occurred over a span of several days as the region faced snow, ice, and life-threatening cold conditions.

The Marion County Coroner said she believes the extreme weather played a role in all three deaths. However, the exact cause and manner of death for each individual remain pending. Full forensic evaluations are still underway, and officials say final determinations will be made once all testing is complete.

The first two deaths were discovered on January 24. The coroner identified one victim as 61-year-old William Johns Jr., who was found dead inside his home. Authorities noted that the residence did not have heat at the time he was discovered, raising serious concerns about cold exposure during the severe winter weather.

Also on January 24, 69-year-old Ellen Siakotos was found dead inside her home. The coroner said she may have died from hypothermia, though this has not yet been officially confirmed. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding her death, including indoor temperatures and access to heat during the storm.

A third death was reported on January 26. The victim, identified as 59-year-old Violet Wells, was found outside her home with a snow shovel. Officials believe she may have been clearing snow when she was overcome by the harsh conditions. The coroner said exposure to the cold is being considered as a possible factor in her death.

Officials are urging residents to take winter weather warnings seriously as investigations continue. They stress the importance of having reliable heat, limiting time outdoors in extreme cold, and checking on elderly or vulnerable neighbors during winter storms. Authorities say these deaths serve as a tragic reminder of how dangerous severe winter weather can be, especially when temperatures drop to life-threatening levels.