Woman, 90, found dead outside Chatham home during extreme cold

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A 90-year-old Chicago woman was found dead just outside her house in her Chatham neighborhood Monday morning, during which time temperatures were in the single digits.

The woman was identified as Nellie Gordon, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's office. The cause of death is undetermined, however, it's likely that cold exposure played a factor.

An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday.

Gordon was found in the 9100-block of South Michigan Avenue by a relative. She was discovered lying near her front door in a walkway.

She had on a coat and had her purse with her. Her key was in the front door.

"We're wondering where was she going," said her granddaughter Lauren Davis. "What made her feel the need to leave? According to the police, they don't believe there was any sort of foul play, thankfully. They just believe it was a tragic accident."

Relatives said they're unsure if Gordon fell or had a medical problem that led to herself being stuck outside in the cold. However, she had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2012.

Gordon had four children, multiple grandchildren and great grandchildren.