BAYVILLE, New York – Billy Joel, who has championed the cause of Long Island, New York, fishermen in songs like "The Downeaster Alexa," is helping with the funeral expenses for a clam-digger whose body was found not far from the singer's mansion.
The body of Edwin Flores was found floating off a Long Island Sound beach in Lattingtown on Monday, six days after he was reported missing. The Nassau County medical examiner has confirmed the man's identity and says an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.
Joel, who has a house in nearby Centre Island, says he has made a donation to the North Oyster Bay Baymen's Association to help Flores' family with funeral and other expenses. He has declined to say how much he donated.
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