Man found dead in downtown Providence during extreme cold weather

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Authorities are investigating after a man was found dead outdoors in downtown Providence early Wednesday morning amid a stretch of dangerously cold weather across the region.

Police say emergency responders were sent to a Washington Street area business just before 5:00 a.m. after concerns were raised about a person outside in freezing conditions. When crews arrived, they found an adult male lying on the sidewalk, unresponsive. Officials said the man showed no signs of breathing and no obvious indications of trauma. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Office of the Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death.

The incident comes as Rhode Island continues to experience some of the coldest temperatures of the winter. According to the National Weather Service Boston, dry conditions are expected to continue through Saturday, but the bitter cold will persist. Wind chills could drop to between 20 and 25 degrees below zero in some locations Friday night. Residents are urged to limit time outdoors and dress in multiple layers if they must be outside.

Warming centers have been opened throughout the state as the cold snap continues. A full list of locations is maintained by the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency, and we also have a list of warming centers available on our website. Residents in need of assistance can also contact the 2-1-1 hotline, operated by the United Way of Rhode Island, for information on shelter options and available services.

Officials continue to urge anyone without reliable heat or shelter to seek help immediately as dangerously cold conditions persist across the region.