Man Found Dead Outide His House in Springs Wednesday After Snow Storm

Update, 12 p.m.: East Hampton Town police said an 84-year-old man who was found dead in his yard in Springs on Wednesday morning appears to have suffered a medical event on Tuesday night. 

In a statement released on Wednesday morning, police said a snow plow contractor discovered the body of Ralph E. Batalla in the yard just outside the front door of his home at 1 Locust Drive around 7:35 a.m. 

The Springs Fire Department ambulance and East Hampton Town police responded. He was pronounced dead upon arrival. 

A preliminary investigation indicates Batalla experienced a medical event on Tuesday in the evening hours, during the snow storm that brought about eight inches to the area and freezing conditions. 

"The death at this time does not appear suspicious, and no foul play is suspected," Lt. Robert Gurney said in a statement. 

The investigation is continuing with the help of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner's office. 

Original, 9:20 a.m.: An elderly man was found dead outside of a house in Springs Wednesday morning after the snow storm. 

East Hampton Town police and the Springs Fire Department ambulance were called for an adult male unconscious on Locust Drive, off Sycamore Drive, at 7:33 a.m. Advanced life support was requested, but ultimately the ambulance call was cancelled. Emergency workers pronounced him dead.

Early into the investigation into the man's death, Town Police Chief Michael Sarlo confirmed there was an ambulance call and said "an elderly subject may have gone down sometime during the overnight in the driveway." 

While it is not yet known whether the man's death had anything to do with the snow storm, overnight weather conditions were hazardous. Light snow showers continued in the evening hours with temperatures hovering around 16 degrees, though it felt like below-zero due to the wind chill factor.

Sarlo said he had no other information immediately available. 

A worker plowing snow reportedly discovered the man's body. 

Check back to East Hampton Patch for more information as it becomes available, and please offer your prayers and thoughts to the man's family.