Two people were found dead in Flagstaff Tuesday due to suspected weather-related exposure. Flagstaff Police were called to the 12-hundred block of South Plaza Way at around 11:04 a.m. regarding a man who was not breathing. The man, who is identified as 61-year-old Timothy M. Begay, was pronounced dead at the scene. Then at 11:48 a.m. officers responded to the 31-hundred block of North Alta Vista Drive, at Bushmaster Park, regarding an unresponsive man found in a bathroom on the west side of the park. The man was identified as 39-year-old Ferris Poleahla. He was transported to Flagstaff Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. Police say in both death investigations, there doesn’t appear to be any suspicious circumstances. The recent extreme weather and cold temperatures are believed to be contributing factors to both deaths. Police have partnered with community social services providers to proactively conduct community patrols to ensure people experiencing homelessness to get to a shelter and have any medical needs treated. If you see anyone needed shelter, call police at (928) 774-1414.
Additional service providers include:
Flagstaff Shelter Services (928) 225-2533 Catholic Social Services (928) 774-9125
Community Services (928) 679-7425 Sunshine Rescue Mission (928) 774-3512
Native Americans for Community Action (928) 773-1245
