At least 12 in Illinois die during severe blizzard

At least a dozen people died during the winter storm that pelted Illinois last week.

Most of the deaths were around Chicago, which received 20 inches of snow. Authorities say several were due to apparent heart attacks likely aggravated by the weather.

In southwestern Illinois, 79-year-old Donald Johannigmeier collapsed Tuesday after shoveling snow outside his home.

Fifty-seven-year-old Susan Smith died of a heart attack and her diabetes was a contributing factor. Lake County Coroner Richard Keller says the stress of the blizzard may have played a role.

LaSalle County authorities say 44-year-old Andrew Berg died after leaving his stranded car and apparently trying to walk home.

The Cook County medical examiner says cold exposure contributed to the death of 60-year-old Peter Davis, who fell into a Lake Michigan harbor.