Crime & Safety

UPDATED: South Fork Chef Drowns in Southampton Village

Keith S. Greene, 35, of Hampton Bays was found at Wyandanch Lane Beach.

A 35-year-old Hampton Bays man who apparently drowned was found at in Southampton Village on Wednesday morning.

According to , a father and daughter walking on the beach at 11:11 a.m. spotted the victim, later identified as Keith S. Greene, and called 911.

Police said members of and along with four lifeguards from the attempted CPR.

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“They started life saving measures once they pulled him out of the water and continued until they got to the hospital," Det. Sgt. Herman Lamison said.

Greene was pronounced dead at 11:53 a.m. at .

Find out what's happening in Westhampton-Hampton Bayswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Based on when Greene left his home in the morning, Lamison said he could have entered the water anywhere between 7:45 and 10:50 a.m.  Between about 9 and 9:45 a.m., there was heavy rain in Southampton, he noted.

As events were unfolding, Lamison said, village police learned that Greene's wife had reported him missing to Southampton Town police after he did not show up for work.

Lamison said Greene's vehicle was found parked in the lot — Old Town and Wyandanch are about 1,000 feet apart.

Known as "Kgrease," Greene grew up above his family's restaurant, BK's Southampton Restaurant and Saloon. He worked as a chef and bartender throughout the South Fork, including at Canyon Road, , 75 Main, and JL East and The Black Buoy. He also worked at various restaurants in Miami and the Caribbean during the off-season.

Most recently, he has been the head chef at in North Sea and in Southampton Village.

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He also appeared on Fox's reality cooking show "Hell's Kitchen" and on NBC. After his debut on "Hell's Kitchen," Greene created his own cooking sauce, selling it locally and on a website, Kgrease.com.

Police are still investigating the incident and anyone with information is urged to call 631-283-0056.

Editor's Note: This story was updated Thursday morning with additional details from police.


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