100+ Phoenix-area heat deaths because A/C wasnt working or wasnt on [Video]

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Phoenix is on track for the hottest summer on record.

Ninety-six people have died because of the heat so far this year in Maricopa County, with another 462 under investigation.

Last year, the county saw 645 heat-related deaths in the Valley, the highest number ever and a 52% increase from the year prior.

In some cases, people were indoors and had air conditioning units. So what went wrong?

156 Valley people died due to the heat indoors in 2023, and for the majority of those cases, the victim had an air conditioner at home, but it either wasn’t on or wasn’t working.

Nancy Marion, the executive director of the Community Housing Partnership, says these people were likely forced to make a tough choice between paying their electric bill, or putting that money toward other necessities like their medications or food.

“It makes me feel sad,” Marion said.

The hot weather can be especially hard on low-income seniors.

“They’re …