Hamptons Migrant Worker Died of Hypothermia After Being Left Without Shelter, Medical Experts Say

Francisco Camey, a 61-year-old Guatemalan laborer, died of hypothermia in February 2023 after being left exposed to freezing temperatures in the woods near Riverhead, New York, according to a review of medical records and forensic analysis. The case has highlighted the stark disparities between the protection afforded to luxury estates and the lack of support for migrant workers in the region.

What Led to Francisco Camey’s Death in the Hamptons?

Camey, who had lived in a makeshift tent with his brother Gilberto, 51, for years, was last seen on February 15, 2023, leaving their shelter at 9:30 a.m. That night, temperatures dropped to as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit, and he was found dead the next morning in a snowbank, clad only in a sweatshirt and with his pants off, a phenomenon known as “paradoxical undressing,” according to forensic pathologists.

The Suffolk County medical examiner initially listed “chronic alcoholism” as the cause of death, citing a blood alcohol concentration of 0.23 percent. However, three independent forensic pathologists, including former New York City chief medical examiner Michael Baden, concluded that hypothermia was the primary cause. “If he had been indoors or in a shelter, he wouldn’t have died,” Baden said, emphasizing that the cold, not intoxication, was fatal.

How Does the Hamptons’ Housing Crisis Affect Migrant Workers?

Migrant laborers in the Hamptons, many of whom work in landscaping, face severe housing insecurity. Over 20,000 Guatemalans live in the region, according to U.S. Census data, yet affordable housing is scarce. Many rent “cuartos”—shared rooms in overcrowded homes—for $800 to $1,000 a month, a price that becomes unaffordable during winter when work dries up.

Marit Molin, founder of Hamptons Community Outreach, described the situation as a “moral issue.” “In the Hamptons, plants are covered for the winter while people are left outside in the cold with nothing,” she said. The region has no permanent homeless shelter, and Maureen’s Haven, a winter refuge, faces legal challenges and is seeking a new location.

What Role Do Migrant Workers Play in the Hamptons Economy?

The Hamptons’ landscaping industry, valued at over $1 billion annually, relies heavily on migrant labor. The Camey brothers, who arrived in the early 2000s, exemplify the cycle of migration: they left Guatemala to escape poverty, only to face housing instability in the U.S. “They farmed land that belonged to others, and when the harvest came, it was divided in half,” said Francisco’s sister, Marta Camey.

Despite their critical role, workers often face discrimination. In 2004, a “No Loitering” policy was enacted at a Southampton 7-Eleven, and proposals for a hiring hall were blocked by local opposition. “They say they’re talking about overcrowding, but they’re talking about Latinos,” said Theresa K. Quigley, a former East Hampton official.

How Has the Pandemic Impacted Migrant Worker Conditions?

The 2020-2022 period saw increased vulnerability for migrant workers due to pandemic-related labor shortages and reduced access to services. Organizations like Hamptons Community Outreach reported a surge in requests for emergency shelter and food assistance. Molin’s summer camp for workers’ children and her efforts to secure motel rooms during cold snaps have become lifelines for many.

However, systemic issues persist. In 2023, a Guatemalan laborer was struck and killed by a vehicle while walking to a bus stop, sparking local outrage. Advocates say the fear of deportation has led workers to scatter into remote areas, making it harder to provide aid.

What Are the Broader Implications of This Case?

Camey’s death underscores the intersection of economic inequality and immigration policy. While homeowners in the Hamptons spend millions annually on landscaping, migrant workers often lack basic protections. “The gap between those who live behind the hedges and those who care for them continues to widen,” said Todd Forrest, a horticulturist at the New York Botanical Garden.

Experts argue that addressing the housing crisis requires policy changes. “This isn’t just an economic issue—it’s a moral one,” said Roger W. Byard, a hypothermia specialist. “The circumstances clearly point to hypothermia as the cause.”

Comey’s brother Gilberto, now housed in a $900-a-month cuarto, continues to grapple with his loss. “Everywhere I look, I see my brother,” he said. His story reflects the broader struggle of a workforce that sustains the Hamptons’ luxury image but remains invisible to many.