NYS Police Release Cause of Death for Skier Found on Whiteface Mountain

Skier Found Deceased on Popular NY Mountain

In early February of 2026, New York State Police and Whiteface Mountain Ski Patrol were notified of a skier who hadn't returned back to his group.

A press release shared by NYS Police explained that 44-year-old Michael E. Vacek Jr. from Atlanta, Georgia, was reported missing by his friends around 10 am on Wednesday February 4th, 2026.

Vacek's friend reported him missing after he "failed to return while skiing the trails." Sadly,  Vacek was located along the tree line Upper/Lower Skyward Trail on Whiteface Mountain.

READ MORE: Missing Skier Found Dead at Whiteface Mountain, NYS Police Say

The 44-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

Vacek's body was transported to Glens Falls Hospital, as NYS Police continued to investigate what could have happened to the skier.

New York State Police Provide Cause of Death For Missing Skier

The New York State Police are now revealing a cause of death.

In a press release the NYS Police write:

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.

You can read the full press release about the investigation at Troopers.NY.GOV. 

Winter Enthusiasts Flock to Upstate New York Mountain

When the white stuff falls from the sky, winter enthusiasts flock to the slopes.

New York is one of the most popular skiing destination across the U.S. and one of the most popular stops is Whiteface Mountain.

Ski Magazine named Whiteface Mountain as one the best ski resorts in the East. According to the Whiteface website, they "proudly ranks #3 Overall in the East in Ski Magazine’s 2026 Reader Resort Survey."

Specific honors include the following:

#10 for Best Grooming, #5 for Terrain Variety, #7 for Most Challenging, #4 for Best Lift Network, and #8 for Snowiest Resorts in the region.

USA Today's 10Best list named Whiteface Mountain as the runner up for the Best Place for Snowboarding too!

Skiers and snowboarders travel near and far to carve up the powder at Whiteface Mountain throughout the winter season.