LANSING - The Michigan Office of Services to the Aging (OSA) Director Sharon Gire today issued the following statement on the freezing death of Marvin Schur, a 93-year old Bay City resident who was found dead in his house after the city restricted the home's power because of unpaid electrical bills:

"Marvin Schur's death was preventable. Cold temperatures are extremely risky for the elderly and extra care should have been used in Mr. Schur's case. Mr. Schur was an elderly man who lived alone. He was one of Michigan's most vulnerable citizens in need. It is a tragedy that he had to suffer such a painful death."