Multiple vehicles collided in the inbound lanes near exit 31, at the Nassau County Boarder, just after a light band of snow moved through the region around 5 a.m.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene.
All westbound traffic was funneled into a single HOV lane as authorities investigated, causing miles of delays into Nassau County for hours.
Numerous other crashes were reported on slick roads on the Queens/Nassau border, including on the Cross Island Parkway and Van Wyck Expressway.
Traffic was also backed up on the Belt Parkway following a series of accidents near Erskine Avenue.
Conditions were expected to worsen throughout the day, and drivers were urged to use caution, or mass transit if possible.
