Pipes Still Empty and/or Busted

Two Deaths During Storm Now Attributed to Other Causes

Local officials say they do not know of any deaths in Fayette County caused by the extreme cold weather last week. The Record reported earlier this week on two people who died during the cold snap, but both deaths appear related to other medical issues.

A 45-year-old man who died in a home in Fayetteville during the cold snap last week may have succumbed to a heart attack. According to Fayette County EMS Director Josh Vandever, an ambulance crew responded to the home on Thursday, Feb. 18, after a family member found him unconscious on the floor. Vandever said the man was in cardiac arrest when medics arrived. They attempted to resuscitate him but were unsuccessful, Vandever said.

Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace Sheila Coufal identified the deceased as Russell Joseph Janish, 45, of Fayetteville. Coufal said Janish died of natural causes and that the death was not related to the cold weather.

Chief Deputy Randy Noviskie said no one lives at the home where Janish was found. Janish may have been there to check for frozen pipes in the cold weather, Noviskie said. A tractor was found running outside the home. Noviskie said the man may have been on his way to feed cattle when he stopped at the home.

Last Monday, a 78-year-old man died at his home on US 77 between La Grange and Schu lenburg. Vandever said an ambulance responded to the home after Fayette County Sheriff’s deputies performed a welfare check.

Vandever said the deputies discovered the man suffering from a medical emergency. Vandever said medics attempted to resuscitate him but were unsuccessful. Vandever said the man suffered from some pre-existing medical issues and that the death was not related to the cold weather.