Woman found dead at Dothan hotel

A woman found dead in her hotel room late Saturday night appears to be Dothan’s first heat-related death, according to coroner Robert Byrd.

Byrd said 61-year-old Gayle Nash Moeur was found unresponsive in her hotel room at Choice Inn on North Foster Street in downtown Dothan by another resident. A call was made to 911 and Moeur was taken to Southeast Alabama Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Byrd said a physician at SAMC related that her body temperature on arrival was 108 degrees, leading the Byrd to conclude Moeur died of heatstroke. Byrd said a complete toxicology is being done.

Byrd said Moeur’s room at the hotel did have air conditioning, but it was not turned on when she was found. He said Moeur’s last known permanent address was Fort Worth, Texas, and he has attempted to contact the Dallas/Fort Worth Police Department as part of his effort to locate the next of kin.
Byrd, Houston County’s long-time coroner, said he does not recall working a death by heatstroke.

Anyone with information concerning Meur can contact Byrd at 983-6604.