Cold Snap Claims Lives: Unhoused Couple Freezes to Death

Two unhoused individuals, Denise Celis, 52, and Ronald Wallace, 50, tragically died last week in Fresno while attempting to stay warm in their tent near the Highway 180 on-ramp. Cold temperatures, dropping to 39 degrees Fahrenheit, combined with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning from a heating fire within their tent, are believed to be the cause of their deaths. No foul play is suspected by the California Highway Patrol.

Friends and family remember Celis and Wallace as generous, family-oriented people who had fallen on hard times. They created a small memorial at the encampment to honor the couple. Wallace's family emphasized that homelessness is not always a choice, urging compassion and dignity for those experiencing it. Celis was a mother of five and a grandmother, with family members attempting to provide her with food and blankets.

The incident underscores the dangers faced by vulnerable populations during extreme weather. Authorities are urging the public to report encampments and warming fires along highway embankments to prevent further tragedies. The Wallace family has established a GoFundMe page to assist with cremation expenses, while Celis's family plans fundraising efforts for funeral costs.