Thirteen individuals experiencing homelessness have unfortunately lost their lives this year.
In the city of Hamburg, Germany, a concerning trend has emerged this year. As of mid-2025, at least 13 homeless individuals have lost their lives, according to reports by "Hinz and Kunzt." This number is higher than the total known homeless deaths in the city for all of 2024, which stood at 28.
The deaths have occurred without wider public notice, often due to causes such as cold, illnesses, and poor care. The specific circumstances surrounding these deaths are not fully known, but it's suggested that harsh living conditions may be a significant factor.
One of the deaths reported was that of a 49-year-old homeless individual found dead in the city center. Another notable case was the death of "Reeperbahn Queen" Inge, a well-known homeless individual who passed away at the age of 55 in March. However, the exact causes of death for all 13 individuals have not been specified.
It's important to note that the deaths are not limited to a specific location within the city. The death of a 65-year-old homeless individual at the Stuhlmann fountain is a notable example of a homeless death that came to light due to it being a horrific crime.
Research indicates that substance use, especially overdoses, is a significant cause of death among homeless populations, including in Hamburg. However, no recent city-specific mortality rise or detailed causes for 2025 have been documented.
As of January 2024, there were detailed statistics on the gender distribution of homeless people in Germany, but these do not include street homeless or hidden homelessness. No specific death statistics for Hamburg or the year 2025 were provided in that source.
It's worth mentioning that only deaths of homeless individuals examined by forensic medicine are known, as there are no continuous surveys by social or interior authorities. This lack of comprehensive data makes it challenging to fully understand the extent and causes of homeless deaths in Hamburg.
As we move forward, it's crucial for authorities and society as a whole to address the underlying issues that contribute to homeless deaths and work towards improving the living conditions for those who are homeless in Hamburg.
The increased rate of homeless deaths in Hamburg, Germany, raises concerns about the health-and-wellness and mental-health of this vulnerable population. The causes of death are diverse, ranging from cold exposure, illnesses, and poor care, with harsh living conditions possibly playing a significant role. Despite the lack of comprehensive data, it's crucial for authorities to address these underlying issues and improve the living conditions for homeless individuals in the city.
