January 29, 2026

Death Toll in Tennessee Rising After Snow-Ice Storm

By Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News

January 29, 2026

NASHVILLE, Tenn.

Ice along with snow and sub-freezing temperatures for almost a week have taken a toll on life, the Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed.

At this time, 13 weather-related deaths have been reported after the winter storm rolled through the state this weekend.

This number has increased from five deaths, which the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency reported on Monday. At this point, there are five weather-related fatalities in Middle Tennessee.

The 13 weather-related deaths are in the following counties:

Three in Davidson County

One in Hickman County

Two in Cheatham County

One death in Obion

One death in Crockett

One in Haywood

One in Knox County

Two in Hardin County

TEMA made the announcement during a press conference Wednesday, updating the public on winter weather recovery.

In Davidson County, one woman in her 90s died after falling in her assisted living apartment that had lost power. A second woman died from apparently sliding down a small hill. On Wednesday, Metro Nashville Police Department’s Chief John Drake announced a third potential weather-related death is believed to be caused by carbon monoxide.

Metro Police have redirected 180 detectives from investigations to conduct welfare checks and assist with the winter weather response during this time. Chief Drake also encourages people to check on their friends and family during this time.

The death number may rise in the coming days as these door to door searches are being conducted.