Answer
Exposure was the primary cause of death for the Franklin Expedition members. Trapped in ice for over two years, they endured extreme cold, starvation, and disease. The harsh Arctic conditions took a heavy toll on their bodies, leading to hypothermia, frostbite, and scurvy. The lack of adequate shelter, food, and medical supplies proved fatal for many, as they succumbed to the relentless grip of the unforgiving environment.