Elderly woman dies from exposure to cold after falling

Elderly woman dies from exposure to cold after falling

PENTWATER — An 89-year-old Pentwater woman died from exposure to the cold last month after falling on her steps and hitting her head, according to a press release issued by Pentwater Police Chief Laude Hartrum.

“Pentwater Police Department responded to a report of a deceased person on Dec. 19, 2023 in the 500 block of North Rush Street. Upon arrival, they found an 89-year-old female subject deceased near the back door of the residence. The subject was identified as Eileen Griffis a longtime Pentwater resident.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that Ms. Griffis was last spoken to on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. The officers believe that she fell while navigating the steps of her home; striking her head; and being unable to get back into the house, died from exposure. The accident remains under investigation pending the final report from the medical examiner’s office.”

Pentwater police were assisted by the Pentwater Fire Department, Life EMS and the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office.

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