In a tragic turn of events, the ongoing winter storm wreaking havoc in Western New York has led to the untimely deaths of three individuals in Erie County. According to County Executive Mark Poloncarz, the fatalities are directly linked to the severe weather conditions that have enveloped the region in the past few days.

One of the victims, a 64-year-old man, tragically lost his life while shoveling snow. The exertion combined with the harsh weather proved fatal for the man, highlighting the dangers posed by the heavy snowfall and plummeting temperatures.

Another casualty occurred as a result of a hit-and-run incident in Cheektowaga. A 41-year-old man was struck by a vehicle whose driver fled the scene. Law enforcement authorities are actively searching for the driver involved in the heart-wrenching incident.

Adding to the list of storm-related fatalities, a 57-year-old woman was discovered lifeless next to her snowblower on Tuesday. While the exact circumstances surrounding her demise remain unclear, it is believed that the adverse weather conditions played a role.

County Executive Mark Poloncarz expressed his condolences for the loss of these three lives and emphasized that all of the deaths have been attributed to the winter storm. He regretfully acknowledged that there have been no further confirmed storm-related deaths as of Wednesday.

As the winter storm continues to blanket Western New York with its lake-effect snow, authorities and residents are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. With more snowfall expected in the coming days, it is critical for individuals to exercise caution while engaging in outdoor activities and to stay informed about any weather advisories or warnings issued by the authorities.

Our thoughts are with the families of the victims during this difficult time, and we hope that the community stays united in supporting one another as they navigate the challenges posed by this relentless winter storm.