February 10, 2026
Update:
An autopsy was conducted at Glens Falls Hospital on Michael E. Vacek Jr. by forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Sikirica. The autopsy determined the cause of death to be blunt force trauma to the chest. The manner of death is pending the results of toxicology.
===============================
On February 4, 2026, at approximately 1:03 p.m., New York State Police responded to NYS Route 86 at Whiteface Mountain in the town of Wilmington for a reported skiing incident.
An investigation determined that Michael E. Vacek Jr., age 44, of Atlanta, Georgia, had been reported missing at approximately 10:00 a.m. by the group of friends he was skiing with. The report was made to Whiteface Mountain Ski Patrol after Vacek failed to return while skiing the trails.
Whiteface Mountain Ski Patrol initiated a search and located Vacek in the tree line along the Upper/Lower Skyward Trail. A Ski Patrol Supervisor was notified, Vacek was transported to the medical building, where life-saving measures continued by the local fire and rescue departments but were unsuccessful. Vacek was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Essex County Coroner responded and ordered the removal of the body, which was transported to Glens Falls Hospital. An autopsy is scheduled for Friday at Glens Falls Hospital; the time has yet to be determined.
This investigation remains ongoing.
Contact Troop B Public Information Officer: Trooper Brandi M. Ashley
Troop B Commander:
Major Peter C. Arcadi