10 deaths in Cook County now connected to heat wave - My50 Chicago - Television - WPWR

So far, ten deaths in Chicago are being blamed on the heat wave, including the death this past week of Riley Kimble, 59.

Kimble was a resident of the Royalton Hotel apartments on West Jackson on Thursday.

"He was alright, he never bothered anybody. I was kind of shocked when they told me," said neighbor George Gailey.

Neighbors say residents are expected to provide their own air conditioning unit, and they don't think Kimble had one. Most folks have fans and only a few air conditioning units could be seen protruding from the windows.

After his death, residents say the apartment's management displayed a list of cooling centers at the front desk. Neighbors wondered if Kimble would have even taken advantage of one.

"He couldn't talk too good and socialize. He'd watch TV all the time down here in the lobby. Go for a walk, smoke a lot," added Gailey.

STILL IN DANGER

Chicago cooled off considerably on Saturday afternoon, but doctors say that doesn't mean we're in the clear as far as heat stress is concerned.

"It's still very, very hot and you're still going to see heat related illnesses. And to people who are predisposed, it doesn't take as much of a temperature change to put them at risk as people who are generally healthier," said Dr. Omar Lateef of Rush University Medical Center.

Doctors urge people to stay hydrated, saying it is one of the most important factors to avoid a heat related-illness.