An elderly woman and her adult son, who became trapped in their car during a severe snowstorm, have been found dead outside a hospital in Rhode Island. The tragic discovery was made on February 11, nearly two weeks after they initially sought refuge from the harsh weather.
Grim Discovery in Hospital Parking Lot
Irina Kozak, aged 75, and her son Stanislaw Kozak, 49, were located inside the white Kia Sorento they had been living in for approximately one year. Authorities believe that Irina was trapped next to the deceased body of her son for more than two weeks before she also perished.
Desperate Calls for Help
The distressing situation began on January 28, when Irina contacted a friend during the snowstorm. According to WPRI, the friend, who works as a Russian interpreter, informed dispatchers that Irina and Stanislaw were near a park by Miriam Hospital in Providence and could not exit their vehicle.
The friend also relayed that Irina had stated Stanislaw had not moved in two days, indicating a dire medical emergency.
Failed Search Efforts
Police were immediately dispatched to the area but were unable to locate the mother and son or establish contact with Irina or her friend. After an hour of searching, officers noted in their report that they were unable to locate the individuals, leaving the pair in perilous conditions.
Aftermath and Investigation
The vehicle was eventually towed from the parking lot next to Miriam Hospital, with cigarette butts and a piece of clothing left behind as remnants of the tragic scene. Providence Police Col. Oscar Perez confirmed that the car had been parked in the lot during the snowstorm, and the friend's tip about their location near a park did not lead to a successful rescue.
Causes of Death
Police determined that the deaths were weather-related, although underlying health issues were also considered a contributing factor. The extreme cold played a significant role, with temperatures plunging to single digits on the night the friend alerted authorities.
More than 30 people died during Winter Storm Fern, which affected regions from Texas to Massachusetts, highlighting the storm's deadly impact.
Family Notification
Authorities were able to contact a family member living in Germany to inform them of the tragic loss. The community and law enforcement have been left grappling with the heartbreaking outcome of this incident.
Context of the Winter Storm
Providence experienced approximately 20 inches of snow during the late-January storm, creating hazardous conditions across the city. Winter Storm Fern brought a mix of ice, freezing rain, and snow to parts of the South and Plains before moving eastward, resulting in multiple fatalities.
This case underscores the dangers of severe weather events and the critical importance of timely emergency response in life-threatening situations.
