The Texas DSHS said in its report that it identified and analyzed deaths directly, indirectly or possibly attributable to the storm, noting that a death was only reported as related to the Great Texas Freeze when verified by a medical certifier. Three mechanisms were used to identify deaths related to this weather event: mortality surveillance forms, death certificates and verification of informally reported deaths.
The report indicated that about 65% of the deaths in Texas were caused by injuries related to extreme-cold exposure, 158 of which were from hypothermia and three of which were from frostbite.
Twenty-five deaths were the result of an exacerbation of a pre-existing illness, according to the DSHS report. These ranged from disruptions to dialysis or oxygen treatment, the freezing of medical devices and medication, disruption of hospice care, engaging in outdoor repair activity or loss of power while on electricity-dependent equipment required to sustain life.