Phoenix man Lafayette Palmes, 58, died from heat exposure and dehydration on July 6 in an alley in Phoenix, officials said. Medical examiners reported his body temperature was nearly 110 degrees after lying on pavement measured at 157 degrees, and his family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit alleging failures in his court-ordered guardianship.
Palmes’ body was discovered on July 6 in a Phoenix alley where pavement temperatures measured 157 degrees, according to medical examiners. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the cause of death as dehydration and heat exposure.
Officials reported his body temperature was nearly 110 degrees at the time, and his face and body showed burns consistent with prolonged contact with the hot asphalt, his family said.
Records show Palmes had documented mental health challenges and was under a court-ordered permanent guardianship overseen by the Maricopa County Public Fiduciary. Court documents stipulated that Palmes required 24-hour care to ensure his safety and adherence to treatment. Despite this, Palmes was found alone in the alley, prompting his family to file a wrongful death lawsuit last week against Maricopa County and other parties. The lawsuit alleges failures in the guardianship system contributed to his death. Family member Davis described the circumstances as “a very sad way to go,” citing the burns Palmes sustained from the hot pavement.
Palmes’ death occurred amid a stretch of extreme heat in the Phoenix area. On the day he was found, the city recorded a high temperature of 116 degrees, contributing to hazardous conditions. The Valley has seen multiple heat-related fatalities recently, including that of Matt Nelson, a 58-year-old Army veteran who died on July 1 in Dewey, Arizona. Nelson collapsed after working in an attic where temperatures reached 150 degrees during an air conditioning service call, according to his family and local authorities. He was found unresponsive outside the home and later pronounced dead at a hospital. Nelson had recently started his own HVAC company after decades of experience in the field. His family has shared his story to raise awareness about heat safety for workers exposed to extreme temperatures.
Another related case involved Lloyd Ornelas, who died from severe heat stroke after his car broke down in triple-digit temperatures. Ornelas collapsed roadside and went into cardiac arrest. Although briefly revived at Banner University Medical Center, he died several days later from complications related to heat exposure. These cases highlight the dangers posed by the Valley’s rising overnight temperatures, which have become increasingly hazardous for vulnerable populations and outdoor workers.
Officials and families emphasize the risks of extreme heat, particularly for individuals with underlying health conditions or those working in high-temperature environments. The Maricopa County Public Fiduciary’s role in Palmes’ case is under scrutiny following the wrongful death lawsuit, which seeks accountability for alleged lapses in the mandated 24-hour supervision and care. FOX 10 has collected extensive documentation on Palmes’ case since last summer, revealing ongoing concerns about the adequacy of his guardianship.
Nelson’s family established a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral costs and medical bills, underscoring the financial impact of heat-related deaths on families. Authorities continue to monitor temperatures and issue warnings as triple-digit heat persists across the region. The recent fatalities serve as a reminder of the severe health risks posed by extreme heat and the importance of protective measures for at-risk individuals.
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