1 cold death reported in Cook County

Cook County officials have confirmed the Chicago area's first cold-related death of the season, and are investigating three other deaths that may be weather-related.

The Cook County Medical Examiner's office tells the Chicago Sun-Times that the body of 34-year-old Kryzstoff Pekala was found Sunday on the floor of his garage on Chicago's northwest side. An autopsy revealed he died of exposure, compounded by chronic alcoholism.

Authorities say an autopsy was pending Tuesday on the body of 50-year-old Paula Spika, who was found frozen in a ditch Monday near her Palos Park home.

And Will County authorities say hypothermia may have played a role in the deaths of two homeless men found Friday and Sunday.