Man found dead in snow in Hempstead

A Hempstead police officer on early-morning patrol shortly after 2 a.m. Saturday found the body of Billy Highsmith, 43, of Hempstead lying on the snow in front of 40 W. Columbia St. in Hempstead, police said.

Police released no cause of death. Highsmith's wife, Subrina Oliver, said in an interview Sunday that he had fallen and hit his head while walking home. Highsmith was a cook at the Cheesecake Factory, she said. "He had good intentions and a good heart," she said.

Detectives request anyone with information regarding the death to call Crime Stoppers at 800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.