Snow removal workers in Deer Park discovered the body of a man buried under snow outside a residential complex on Monday afternoon, after Winter Storm Hernando dumped a record amount of snow on the Long Island, New York area.
Discovery at 3:45 PM
According to the Suffolk County Police Department, individuals clearing snow near the complex on Parkcenter Drive found the body around 3:45 PM.
Police responded to the scene and confirmed the man was deceased. The victim's identity has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
Investigators stated there were no signs of foul play. Authorities have not yet determined if the man was homeless or why he was outdoors in the severe weather.
Autopsy to Determine Cause of Death
The Suffolk County Medical Examiner's Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the official cause of death.
The incident occurred as many areas of Suffolk County experienced unprecedented snowfall. The town of Babylon, which includes Deer Park, recorded approximately 24 inches of snow as of 1 PM, according to the National Weather Service.
Comparison with New York City
In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani reported no direct storm-related deaths as of early Monday afternoon.
Previously, the city administration faced criticism after a cold snap in late January to early February, when at least 19 people died outdoors, 15 of whom succumbed to hypothermia.
The investigation in Deer Park continues as authorities await autopsy results to determine the precise cause of death.
