Update: Nine storm related deaths in the County so far

Currently, the Medical Examiner, Dr. Michael Steckbauer, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit are investigating nine deaths which took place either because of the storm, during the storm or which are somehow storm related in Monroe County, excluding the city of Key West.

Four of the people who died remain unidentified and, in coming days detectives will be working to find out who they are. Initial difficulty with the communications network hampered efforts to do computer and fingerprinting checks; limited manpower has also slowed the identification process. Since the original press release announcing these deaths, three more have been identified.

Anyone who has reason to believe they know who one of the unidentified persons is, or who thinks they may be the next of kin for one of these victims, can send an email to [email protected] or call 469-610-7017. Make sure to leave name, contact information and the name of the loved one you think might be a victim.

The deaths include:

Roy Vincent Pardee, 60 years old, whose body was found in a crashed car in Marathon during the storm.

James Armantrout who was found dead on Shark Key in the Lower Keys. Had medical conditions which probably caused or contributed to his apparent natural death.

White male who has been identified, but whose next of kin has not been notified. 66 years old, died of apparent natural causes in Tavernier. Had just been released from the hospital. Had chronic medical conditions believed to have caused his death.

This man was Identified as David Speraw, of Tavernier. Although his next of kin has not yet been identified, we are hoping by releasing his name someone will be able to give us information which might lead to his next of kin.

White female, 61, of Marathon who has been identified but whose next of kin have not been notified. Chronic medical conditions which most likely contributed to the cause of her death.

She has been identified as Marcia Angelena Rodriguez.

Unidentified older white male found in rubble on 28th Street in Marathon. The man is possibly in his 60s, with gray hair and a beard.

Older white male died while in shelter at Marathon High School, during the storm. He has been identified but his next of kin have not been identified. He had medications with him at the shelter indicating a chronic medical condition which most likely contributed to his death.

He has been identified as Robert Owen Wheeler, Jr., 68 years of age.

Older white male found on a partially sunken boat offshore of Stock Island. No identification found with the body. The man is possibly in his 60s, with grey hair and a beard.

White male unknown identification found across from the Big Pine Key cemetery near the shoreline. Possibly in his 60s, grey hair and beard. Wearing a red life jacket.

White male, 59 years old, fell and was injured. He was airlifted to Ryder Trauma Center and died at that facility. His identification is unknown at this time.

There was a death or deaths reported in the city of Key West. Please contact the Key West Police Department for those details.

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]