Heat Suspected in 2 City Worker Deaths

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - A Memphis Police officer and City of Memphis sanitation worker have died, and the extreme heat may have been a factor.

65-year old JerDean Johnson was found dead in his Orange Mound apartment by neighbors Thursday morning. His cause of death has not been determined, but he did not have working utilities at his home.

Memphis Mayor A C Wharton held a press conference on the city's heat-related efforts Thursday afternoon, and extended his condolences to Johnson's family.

Also during that press conference, Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong stated that an officer had died at The Med after exhibiting symptoms of heat-related illness. "While on duty Wednesday evening the officer got sick, they believe heat was a contributing factor to that," he said. "He went home sick, overnight his conditions worsened, and while being transported he passed."

Memphis Police later stated that the officer was 48-year old Anthony Rahming, who had been on the force since August 2010. He reported feeling ill while on duty around 7:00pm, and was excused to go home. His condition worsened, and was transported to St. Francis Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Wednesday's high temperature soared to 106 degrees in some areas, with a heat index around 115 degrees. Memphis and much of the Mid-South is under an Excessive Heat Warning until Saturday.