Death toll from Houston-area storms jumps to 8 people; Here’s what we know about the victims, how they died

Death toll from Houston-area storms jumps to 8 people; Here’s what we know about the victims, how they died

May 17, 2024: A cement worker died when storm winds brought a crane down on top of his truck. (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.)

On Monday morning, the death toll from the rare, derecho-driven storms that roared through the Houston area climbed to eight people.

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According to the Houston Fire Department, the eighth person was believed to have died in a Spring Branch neighborhood Saturday from carbon monoxide poisoning, possibly from a generator.

He was said to have been in his 60s.

HFD said they can confirm five deaths related to the windstorm weather event, one of which was carbon monoxide-related, and then three windstorm-related deaths, confirmed by Harris County.

Last week, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez spoke about the other deaths, including a 57-year-old man in northwest Houston who died trying to move an electrical pole.

He collapsed and was rushed to a hospital, but he did not survive.

In east Houston, a 60-year-old man who lost power in the storm went out to his truck to plug in his oxygen tank. Friday morning, he was found dead.

In Cypress, lightning hit a trailer that went up in flames, killing an 85-year-old woman.

A Houston mother of four died when she went outside to move her car so it wouldn’t get hit by a tree. As she was doing that, a tree came down on top of her, crushing the car and ultimately killing her.

Mother of 4 killed during Thursday night's severe weather (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.)

Also in Houston, a 72-year-old cement worker was killed when a crane collapsed and slammed down on the cab of his truck.

May 17, 2014: A 72-year-old cement worker in Houston died Thursday when when brought a crane slamming down on top of his truck. (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.)

About the Authors

Houston bred and super excited to be back home! I grew up in The Heights with my 8 brothers and sisters and moved back in 2024. My career as a journalist spans a lot of years -- I like to say there's a lot of tread on these tires! I'm passionate about helping people. I also really love sharing success stories and stories of redemption. Email me!

Moriah Ballard joined the KPRC 2 digital team in the fall of 2021. Prior to becoming a digital content producer in Southeast Texas and a Houstonian, Moriah was an award-winning radio host in her hometown of Lorain, Ohio, and previously worked as a producer/content creator in Cleveland. Her faith, family, and community are her top passions.

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