2 men die likely of exposure to cold in Flagstaff

Two men found dead in Flagstaff early Tuesday were suspected to have died from exposure to cold weather, police said.

Officers with the Flagstaff Police Department responded about 11 a.m. to a plaza near Milton and Riordan roads for reports of a man who was not breathing, said department spokesperson Sgt. Charles Hernandez II.

The man

was

pronounced dead at the scene and later identified as 61-year-old Timothy M. Begay, Hernandez said.

About 45 minutes later and five miles away, police responded to a park near State Route 66 and Lockett Road for reports of an unresponsive man in a bathroom, Hernandez said.

The man, later identified as 39-year-old Ferris C. Poleahla, was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead, Hernandez said.

Police said the two unrelated deaths did not appear to be suspicious but were rather believed to be the result of overnight “extreme weather and severe cold temperatures.”

“The recent snowstorm on Oct. 26, 2020, brought severe wind and freezing temperatures,” Hernandez said. “Both individuals were in inconspicuous locations, not readily visible to the public.”

The deaths of Begay and Poleahla remained under investigation.

Flagstaff police have since partnered with social service providers in the area to conduct community patrols to ensure people experiencing homelessness have shelter and treatment for any medical needs, according to Hernandez.

Anyone in need of services can contact the police department at (928) 774-1414. Other service providers include:

● Flagstaff Shelter Services at (928) 225-2533

● Catholic Social Services at (928) 774-9125

● Community

(928) 679-7425

● Sunshine Rescue at (928) 774-3512

● Native Americans for Community Action at (928) 773-1245

Services

at

Mission