A dad caught outside during a killer winter storm has been discovered frozen to death on his birthday. William Clay was confirmed as one of 16 victims of the winter blast which has struck Buffalo in the US.
The 56-year-old’s body was identified by family members shortly after he was reported missing on Christmas Eve. Footage had circulated online showing a dead body face down in snow.
Buffalo, which is in the state of New York, has been hit by sub-zero temperatures and massive blizzards in recent days. William’s sister Sophie Clay had posted a message on Facebook urging people to help look for William that morning.
Sophie said her brother often spent time at a convenience store near his home. The devastated sibling shared news of his death several hours later on a GoFundMe page set up to raise money for his funeral.
She wrote: “I am the sister of the gentleman that lost his life during the 2022 Blizzard on 12/24/2022. My brother unexpectedly lost his life on his birthday.”
A relative named Laura raised concerns after William’s disappearance that he may not have been on his medication. She later posted a tribute to him.
It read: “Rest in peace Billy. My heart breaks for my nephew and his family.” Other family members shared their feelings on social media following the tragedy.
His son Jules Clay wrote that his “pain is overwhelming”. He added: “Grateful I spoke to him & told him I love him yesterday.”
The family requested that people stop sharing the clip showing William’s body.
At least 16 people are reported dead in Buffalo and the surrounding county area following an “unprecedented” winter storm that has gripped the US over the festive period.
The total number of fatalities nationwide is now estimated at 34.
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