The Phoenix Flyer

Ian death toll rises: 72 fatalities in 12 counties

By: Diane Rado - October 4, 2022 7:05 pm

Hurricane Ian on Sept. 28, 2022. Credit: NASA Earth Observatory image by Joshua Stevens

Ian’s death toll in Florida has risen to 72 fatalities, with 46 deaths in Lee County, where the massive storm battered the southwest part of the peninsula.

In all, there are now 12 counties with fatalities due to Ian, according to data from Florida’s Medical Examiners Commission (MEC), which reports hurricane deaths following an autopsy and confirmation that the death is storm related.

(Florida Department of Law Enforcement officials staff the Florida Medical Examiners Commission.)

Here’s the most recent list of fatalities, based on data from the FDLE on Tuesday evening. However, it’s likely that more deaths will continue to be confirmed.

Charlotte – 2

Collier – 5

Hardee – 1

Hendry – 1

Hillsborough – 1

Lake – 1

Lee – 46

Manatee – 3

Martin – 1

Polk – 2

Sarasota – 4

Volusia – 5

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Diane Rado

Diane Rado has covered state and local government and public schools in six states over some 30 years, focusing on policy and investigative stories as well as legislative and political reporting. She is married to a journalist and has three adult children.