Des Plaines man's death linked to the cold

A 64-year-old Des Plaines man died of cold exposure in or near his home on the city's west side Friday.

The man was the fifth Cook County resident to die from the cold this season, according to county officials.

The Cook County medical examiner's office confirmed Kendall J. Mitsuoka of the 500 block of Florian Drive in Des Plaines died Friday as a result of cold exposure. The office concluded that cardiovascular disease was a contributing factor, according to Natalia Derevyanny, spokeswoman for county administration.

Derevyanny deferred questions about where Mitsuoka was found to the Des Plaines Police Department, which did not comment Friday afternoon.

Derevyanny said there doesn't have to be extreme cold for a person to die from cold exposure.

"A lot of time, other factors are involved," she said. "Whether it be a health condition or maybe the person has been drinking or using drugs."

Derevyanny encouraged people to check on their neighbors and family members to make sure they have heat this winter. She said Cook County residents who lack reliable heat should seek out the county's warming centers.

A warming center directory can be found on the Cook County Emergency Management website.