© 2026 WGCU News
News for all of Southwest Florida
Donate
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Statewide death toll from Hurricane Ian now likely 120; Lee reports 49

WGCU
Published October 6, 2022 at 9:03 AM EDT
Sanibel Island aerial assessment imagery collected on Sept 29 2022.jpg
NOAA interactive imagery map
Sanibel Island aerial assessment imagery frmo NOAA, on Sept 29 2022

Florida District Medical Examiners report hurricane deaths to the Medical Examiners Commission following examinations and confirming the death is storm-related. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement staffs the Florida Medical Examiners Commission.

Based on the MEC report and information from other sources around the state the statewide death toll is likely at least 120.

The official 89 deaths attributed to Hurricane Ian and confirmed by the MEC include: Charlotte – 2; Collier – 5; Hardee – 1; Hendry – 4; Hillsborough – 1; Lake – 1; Lee – 49; Manatee – 3; Martin – 1; Monroe – 7; Polk – 2; Putnam – 3; Sarasota – 5; Volusia – 5

In Lee County the sheriff said Wednesday afternoon that 58 have died in the county. The report also lists two people in Charlotte County. The last update from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s office was 24.

WGCU is your trusted source for news and information in Southwest Florida. We are a nonprofit public service, and your support is more critical than ever. Keep public media strong and donate now. Thank you.
Tags
Hurricane IanWGCU NewsSWFLDeath
Trusted by over 30,000 local subscribers

Local News, Right Sized for Your Morning

Quick briefs when you are busy, deeper explainers when it matters, delivered early morning and curated by WGCU editors.

  • Environment
  • Local politics
  • Health
  • And more

Free and local. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

More from WGCU
  • Gulfshore Playhouse Graphic for 'Dear Jack, Dear Louise'
    Arts & Culture
    'Dear Jack, Dear Louise' closest playwright Ken Ludwig has come to writing a drama
    Tom Hall
    Ken Ludwig has built a career as a decorated comedic playwright. He’s had six shows on Broadway and eight on London’s West End. The New York Times called his first Broadway play, “Lend Me a Tenor,” one of the two great farces by a living writer. Based on his parents' courtship during World War II, "Dear Jack, Dear Louise" is the closest Ludwig has come to writing a straight, non-comedic play.
  • Environment
    Introduction to Interactions of Birds and Humans During the Nesting Season
    Dr. Jerry Jackson
    Spring is a busy time for both birds and humans. The cycle of life begins anew for both. Birds begin nest-building, then lay eggs in their nest, and tend to hatchlings; humans plant gardens, flowers, and begin the annual routine of yard care. When young birds leave the nest, their parents still must tend to the young – either providing them with food or leading them to good foraging areas and protecting them from potential predators. To birds, humans are potential predators. Birds scold, dive at, and sometimes even strike humans that come close to their nest or young. Such attacks can be indication that a nest or young is near – and attacks are a good cue to not prune a nest tree or shrub or to not mow over a ground nest. Attacks are also an opportunity to show youngsters the adults, their nest, eggs, and young… but from a distance.
  • Human Interest
    FPL offers tips for Florida snowbirds preparing to leave for summer
    Alexandra Johnson
    FPL shares tips for Florida snowbirds to protect homes, prevent mold and reduce energy costs while away during the summer months.