A man has been tragically found dead face down in the snow after celebrating his 56th birthday on Christmas Eve.

William Clay, was sadly recorded in a video which has circulated online, showing his body submerged in snow having found himself stuck outside and ultimately succumbing to the freezing New York, US weather.

His family members identified the body shortly after they'd reported him missing on December 24. Over the last few days, the east coast state has been devastated by monstrous blizzards, which have resulted in the deaths of at least 16 people.

READ MORE: Met Office issues weather warning as two-day arctic plunge hits UK with sub-zero freeze

Following his disappearance, his sister, Sophie Clay, took to Facebook in a desperate bid to find him, even suggesting that people look out for him at the 7-Eleven convenience shop, where he spent a great amount of his time.

She then shared news of his death several hours later on a GoFundMe page she set up to raise money for his funeral, writing: "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."

Fears had also been raised by a relative named Laura upon his disappearance that he may not have been on his medication.

She has since posted a written tribute since learning of his death, writing: "Rest in peace Billy. My heart breaks for my nephew and his family."

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  Met Office issues weather warning as two-day arctic plunge hits UK with sub-zero freeze

Other members of his family have also taken to social media to share their feelings after his passing, with his son Jules Clay writing that his "pain is overwhelming."

"Grateful I spoke to him & told him I love him yesterday", he added.

The family has since requested that people stop sharing the clip showing his body, reports MailOnline.

A total of at least 16 people are now reported dead in the city of Buffalo and the surrounding county area, following an "'unprecedented' winter storm that hit the United States over the festive period."

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The overall number of fatalities nationwide is estimated at 34.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said on Christmas Eve that almost every fire engine in Buffalo had been left stranded due to heavy snow, and later asked residents to adhere by a driving ban imposed to ensure public safety.

She described it as the "most devastating storm in Buffalo’s long storied history" because of its ferocity and impact on emergency services."

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