Man found dead in snow in Hempstead

A Hempstead police officer on early-morning patrol Saturday found the body of Billy Highsmith, 43, lying on the snow in front of 40 West Columbia Street, police said.

Police released no cause of death. Highsmith's wife, Subrina Oliver, said in an interview 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 incident to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.