Tragedy on the Slopes: Georgia Skier Dies at Whiteface Mountain

Tragedy on the Slopes

It has been a difficult week for Adirondack ski resorts following a tragic incident at Whiteface Mountain that claimed the life of a skier from Georgia.

New York State Police say they responded to a reported skiing incident on February 4th at approximately 1:03 p.m. along Route 86 at Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington.

Investigators determined that 44-year-old Michael E. Vacek Jr. of Atlanta had been reported missing around 10:00 am by friends he was skiing with after he failed to return to the group.

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Located Near a Tree Line

The report was made to Whiteface Mountain Ski Patrol, and they immediately began a search of the area. Vacek was located in the tree line near the Upper and Lower Skyward trails.

According to the report, ski patrol transported him to the mountain’s medical building, where life-saving measures were continued by local fire and rescue crews, but those efforts were unsuccessful. Sadly, Vacek was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Essex County Coroner responded and ordered the removal of the body to Glens Falls Hospital. An autopsy is scheduled as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Ties to the Capital Region

Sources say that Vacek had been active in the beverage industry for years and served as president of the Atlanta Beverage Company. He was also the son of the late Michael Vacek Sr., a well-known Albany lobbyist with deep ties to the state Capitol community.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss.