local
‘I am broken hearted’: Husband mourning loss of wife who died after falling in garden in over 90-degree heat
By A'Darius McCormick, Akim Powell at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 2, 2026
· 2 min read
BOLTON, Miss. (WLBT/Gray News) - An 83-year-old woman in Mississippi died after she and her husband fell in the hot sun.Martha Irene Van Egmond died after temperatures reached the 90s on Saturday. According to meteorologists, surface temperatures on cement reached approximately 125 degrees. Her h...
Key takeaway (WLBT/Gray News) - An 83-year-old woman in Mississippi died after she and her husband fell in the hot sun.
Why this matters in The Nashville
Nashville residents should take heed of the tragic story of Martha Irene Van Egmond, who died after falling in her garden on a scorching hot day. While the incident occurred in Mississippi, the risks associated with extreme heat are just as relevant in Music City, where summer temperatures often soar into the 90s. The fact that Martha and her husband, Rick, had been swimming and felt comfortable outside before the incident highlights the deceptive nature of heat exhaustion. As Nashville's older adult population enjoys the city's outdoor spaces, they must be aware of the dangers of heat-related illnesses. Local community centers, churches, and healthcare providers can play a crucial role in educating seniors about the risks of heat exhaustion and the importance of seeking help at the first sign of symptoms. By learning from this heartbreaking story, Nashvillians can take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from the dangers of extreme heat.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? BOLTON, Miss. (WLBT/Gray News) - An 83-year-old woman in Mississippi died after she and her husband fell in the hot sun.Martha Irene Van Egmond died after temperatures reached the 90s on Saturday. According to meteorologists, surface temperatures on cement reached approximately 125 degrees. Her h...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by A'Darius McCormick, Akim Powell at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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