It was the fifth straight day of 90-plus degree temperatures in Detroit, a streak seen 39 other times in the city's history. The record is 11 straight days of 90-degree temperatures, set in 1953.
Temperatures hit 102 degrees in Ypsilanti around 3 p.m. today, according to the Weather Service. Also hitting the triple digits this afternoon were Detroit City Airport, Grosse Ile, Monroe and Adrian, all at 100, Tilley said.
The area's lone death occurred Wednesday, but several others were in area hospitals with life-threatening heat-related illnesses.
A 37-year-old restaurant worker, Clark Carrier Jr., was found dead by his sister in his non-air-conditioned Highland Township home about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. Oakland County Sheriff's deputies reported no signs of foul play at the scene.
An autopsy performed today by Oakland County Chief Deputy Medical Examiner Dr. Kanu Virani determined the cause of death was a heart attack and overheating complicated by Carrier's obesity. He weighed about 300 pounds. The manner of death is listed as accidental.
The medical investigation indicated Carrier was sent home from his job earlier Wednesday after feeling disoriented. The temperature inside the restaurant kitchen where he worked had risen to an estimated 120 degrees.
Detroit Receiving hospital had three cases of heat stroke Thursday, matching the same number of cases from all of 2010, spokeswoman Ruth Kremer said. All three patients recovered.
