An elderly Mississippi couple collapsed in their garden during a severe heatwave, leading to the death of the wife, Martha 'Irene' Van Egmond, 83, from heat exposure. Her husband, Rick Van Egmond, 79, also fell while trying to help her, and they remained on the ground for several hours before receiving assistance.
The incident occurred on Saturday when Irene fell in a flowerbed while spending time outdoors with her husband. Rick attempted to help her up but also fell, leaving them both unable to stand.
"It gets hot out there, and if you don't have a way to get up, it can happen quick," Rick Van Egmond told WJTV. "We were out there about three hours, and she was ready to go to church Sunday."
Two neighbors from an adjacent apartment complex eventually heard Rick's calls for help and came to their aid, but it was too late for Irene. "She died in one of her happy places, a flowerbed," Rick said.
Mississippi experienced dangerous temperatures over the weekend, with 'feels-like' highs exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit and actual temperatures reaching into the 90s, accompanied by nearly 90 percent humidity.
Irene Van Egmond is remembered by her husband as a loving wife and mother who shared seven children with him. The couple traveled extensively across the United States for toy shows. Rick described their relationship as one without arguments, based on mutual love and care.
Friends and community members also shared tributes, highlighting Irene's kindness, warm smile, and active involvement in her church, where she assisted with events. A local salon and boutique also posted a message remembering her as a dear friend and cherished part of their community.
Irene's funeral is scheduled for Thursday.
