UPDATE: Governor Beshear confirms one death of a 72 year old female from Whitley County due to hypothermia.

However, a family member has disputed that classification, saying the woman died from a head injury after falling. The family member said the woman had dementia, was found along train tracks close to her home, after being reported missing on Sunday. 
 

State officials have yet to respond to the family’s statements.

Original Story

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) — Governor Andy Beshear says the recent winter storm may have contributed to several deaths across Kentucky.

During a briefing Monday, Beshear said three deaths are currently being investigated to determine whether they are storm related. He stressed that the causes have not yet been confirmed and did not provide additional details.

The governor said Central and Southern Kentucky were hit hardest by ice, which brought down trees and power lines and led to widespread power outages. At the time of this post, just under 35,000 utility customers statewide remained without electricity. Most of the power issues are happening where ice hit the hardest, such as Pulaski, Monroe, and Allen Counties. Power crews are continuing restoration efforts, with most outages expected to be resolved by Tuesday.

Beshear urged Kentuckians to stay off the roads if possible, warning that travel conditions remain hazardous. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reports that interstates range from wet to snow covered, while many side roads and neighborhoods are still difficult to navigate.

The governor plans to provide another update before the Tuesday morning commute.