Woman Found Dead Near Library Is Season's 1st Cold Weather Death: Medical Examiner

WORTH, IL — A 68-year-old woman found deceased near the Worth Public Library is Cook County’s first cold weather-related death as wintry weather settles over the region.

Autopsy results from Saturday determined the woman’s cause of death to be hypothermia and heart disease. Her death was ruled accidental, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner.

The woman was found Friday afternoon near the library at 6917 W. 111th St.

Hypothermia occurs when a person’s body temperature falls below 94 degrees F. because the body loses body heat faster than it can be replaced. The most common causes of hypothermia are exposure to cold-weather conditions or cold water, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

While officials have not identified the woman, her daughter identified her as “JoAnne,” and thanked the community for their support in an anonymous post on the Village of Worth Facebook page.

“I wanted to address the community with my deepest gratitude and appreciation for my mother was JoAnne the lady who passed at the library. Reading all of the comments for everyone who was saddened by what happened to her and the outrage everyone had for the town tearing down the bus stop. It warmed my heart in this trying time knowing how many of you cared for her whether it was a simple hi or trying to offer her food and clothes. The fact that some of you saw her as more than just a homless lady but a member of the community someone said. Thank you for not turning a blind eye for the stereotype of a scary homeless person. She was a good person and kept to herself. Never wanted or caused any trouble. I thank you all from the bottom of my heavy heart for being kind human beings because at the end of the day she was one also.”

Patch has reached out to the Worth Police Department.