Army Veteran Found Dead in Snow After NY Blizzard

Mark Curtis, 64, discovered buried outside his Deer Park home after powerful February storm.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 5:47am

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The body of 64-year-old Army veteran Mark Curtis was found buried in the snow outside his Deer Park, New York home after a powerful February blizzard. Police say Curtis' death is believed to be non-criminal, though the exact cause is still pending an autopsy. Curtis' family says he may have succumbed to a history of cardiovascular disease, though they are unsure why he was outside during the storm.

Why it matters

The tragic death of Mark Curtis highlights the dangers that extreme winter weather can pose, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly. As climate change drives more frequent and severe winter storms, there are concerns about the ability of communities to adequately prepare and protect residents.

The details

Workers shoveling snow found Curtis' body near a walkway outside his Deer Park housing complex on February 23rd. Police say he was pronounced dead at the scene, though the cause of death remains under investigation. Curtis' family says he was a proud Army veteran who served for six years and achieved the rank of Sergeant. They are working with authorities to determine the exact circumstances of his death, but believe his history of cardiovascular disease may have been a contributing factor.

  • On February 23, 2026, workers shoveling snow found Curtis' body outside his Deer Park home.
  • On March 2, 2026, Suffolk County Police issued an update identifying Curtis as the victim.

The players

Mark Curtis

A 64-year-old Army veteran who was found dead outside his Deer Park, New York home after a powerful February blizzard.

Suffolk County Police

The law enforcement agency investigating Curtis' death, which they believe was non-criminal in nature.

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What they’re saying

“We are unsure as to why he was outside. It does not appear he was harmed or injured and his death was a very unfortunate and tragic end to his life.”

— Curtis' Family

“He was a proud U.S. Army veteran who served six years and achieved the rank of Sergeant. He was a devoted uncle to dozens of nieces and nephews and would have given the shirt off of his back to someone in need.”

— Curtis' Family

What’s next

The Suffolk County Medical Examiner's Office is conducting an autopsy to determine the official cause of Mark Curtis' death.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for communities to have robust emergency preparedness plans, especially for vulnerable residents, to protect against the dangers posed by extreme winter weather events that are becoming more frequent due to climate change.