Atlanta skier Michael E. Vacek Jr., 44, dies after being found off trail at Whiteface Mountain

Incident unfolded during a morning run on an expert-designated route

A 44-year-old man from Atlanta, Michael E. Vacek Jr., died Wednesday, February 4, 2026, after a skiing incident at Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington, New York, authorities said. The death remains under investigation, and an autopsy was scheduled for Friday at Glens Falls Hospital.

Investigators said Vacek had been skiing with a group of friends when he failed to return from the trails. He was reported missing at approximately 10 a.m. to the resort’s ski patrol, prompting a search effort on the mountain.

Search effort led rescuers to the tree line along Skyward Trail

Rescuers located Vacek in the tree line along the Upper/Lower Skyward Trail, an advanced, black-diamond route recommended for expert skiers. After he was found, ski patrol personnel transported him to the resort’s medical building.

Life-saving measures continued there with assistance from local fire and rescue departments, but were unsuccessful. Vacek was pronounced dead at the scene.

The circumstances that led to Vacek being located in the tree line off the trail have not been publicly detailed, and officials have not announced a cause of death pending the autopsy.

Autopsy ordered by Essex County coroner; investigation ongoing

Authorities said the Essex County coroner responded and ordered that Vacek’s body be transported to Glens Falls Hospital. The autopsy was scheduled for Friday, with the time still to be determined.

State police said they received the initial report of a skiing incident at about 1:03 p.m. near NYS Route 86 at Whiteface Mountain. Investigators have not said whether they have determined why Vacek left the trail or what events immediately preceded the emergency response.

What is known so far

• The skier was identified as Michael E. Vacek Jr., 44, of Atlanta, Georgia.
• He was reported missing by friends at approximately 10 a.m. after failing to return from the trails.
• He was located by ski patrol in the tree line along the Upper/Lower Skyward Trail.
• He was transported to the resort’s medical building, where resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.
• An autopsy was scheduled for Friday at Glens Falls Hospital; the investigation remains ongoing.

Whiteface Mountain, located in the Adirondacks and known for steep expert terrain, is a major Northeast ski destination. Officials have not released additional details about weather, equipment, or conditions at the time of the incident.