A sophomore student that was later identified as Gerard Belz died on Jan. 30 and his death was recorded as the eight casualties related to the polar vortex that affected Chicago this week. The extreme freezing weather in the past few days caused hypothermia, car accidents and more.
The temperatures in the university when Belz was found was as low as minus 21 degrees, with a windchill reaching negative 51 degrees. The arctic front affected large parts of the U.S. but Chicago was colder than the others.
According to KCRG News, Blez was found outside one of the buildings located within the University of Iowa. He was found unresponsive and brought to the nearest hospital. However, the student did not make it and was pronounced dead later.
The police ruled out foul play in the incident but the official cause of his death has yet to be released. While the tests are still ongoing, they believed that it was due to the below zero temperatures.
It was learned that the University of Iowa canceled the classes on Tuesday, Jan. 29, between 5 p.m. and 12 p.m. at the polar vortex unleashes extreme cold that was said to be even colder than Antarctica and Alaska. However, the 18-year old and his parents decided that it would be safer if he will stay in Iowa City rather than drive home to Cedar Rapids in his truck.
Gerard's father, Michael Belz, said that they agreed on the plan because his son's vehicle had mechanical issues. It was unfortunate that things did not turn out well.
"At the time I thought that was the smart move," Michael Belz told New York Times. "I didn't want him to get stuck somewhere driving. So he decided he would stay."
Following his death, Gerard's friends and co-students expressed deep sorrow in his untimely passing. Many of them can't get over with the fact so the school set up counseling sessions for the students. In a Twitter post, the university extended their condolences and encouraged students to reach out if they need help.
"We are saddened to share we've lost a member of the Hawkeye family," part of the school's statement reads. "Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and loved ones. We encourage our students to reach out if they are in need of support."
Gerard Belz was a pre-medicine student and already in his second year. His father described him as "a mama's boy with a tough exterior." He graduated from Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School and dreamed of becoming a cardiologist.
