An autopsy conducted on Michael E. Vacek Jr. determined his death was caused by blunt force trauma to the chest, presumably from a tree, given where he was found. Vacek, 44, of Atlanta, Georgia, was recovered by the Whiteface Mountain Ski Patrol somewhere in the trees alongside either the Upper Skyward or Lower Skyward trail. Friends reported him missing around 10 a.m. after he failed to return from a ski run. Their report initiated the ski patrol’s search, according to State Police, who in turn responded to the ski center at 1:03 p.m.

The manner of death is pending toxicology results, according to State Police. The autopsy was conducted on Friday, Feb. 6 at the Glens Falls Hospital by forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Sikirica.

Though connected, the two are separate ski trails. State Police did not specify along which of those Vacek was found. Once found, Vacek was transported by sled to the ski area’s medical building, where State Police said lifesaving measures were continued but were unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Upper Skyward and Lower Skyard trails are both black diamonds, or advanced-rated terrain, near the ski center’s summit area. The two trails are both steep, relatively straight and wide. The high elevation, topography and trail shape make Upper Skyward and Lower Skyward prone to high winds.

The Upper Skyward trail is seen at center descending from the summit area of Whiteface Mountain on Sunday, with the Slides at right. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

These can quickly blow off the top layer of groomed or powdery snow, exposing an icy underlayer. The investigation is ongoing and State Police have not said what may have caused Vacek to go off the trail.

Upper Skyward begins with a steep headwall near the top of the Summit Quad, continuing down for about one third of a mile before splitting into either Lower Skyward, on skier’s left, or Niagara on skier’s right. Lower Skyward proceeds for another 0.5 mile. Upper Skyward and Lower Skyward have a combined nearly 1,800-foot vertical drop.

The top of the Upper Skyward trail is seen from the Whiteface Mountain ski center’s summit area on Friday. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)