Lobbyist dies in car crash



GUILDERLAND — Michael E. Vacek, a well-known attorney and lobbyist, died Saturday after a weather-related car accident the evening before.

Vacek, 53, of 5 Devon Court, Guilderland, served as president of the New York State Beer Wholesalers Association. He was involved heavily in politics, but was also a dedicated family man. (See obituary.)

On Friday, at 4:55 p.m., Vacek was traveling alone in his car on Relyea Road, Guilderland Lieutenant Curtis Cox said. Vacek slid on a patch of snow and struck a tree, Cox said.

Asked if there were other weather-related accidents that day, Cox said there weren’t. Most roads in Guilderland and other parts of Relyea Road were clear, he said. For some reason, this spot on the street happened to be covered in snow, he said. No charges have been filed.

Although Vacek was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, his injuries were severe, Cox said. He died on Saturday, almost 24 hours after the crash, police say.

A helicopter from Albany Medical Center flew him to the hospital. The aircraft landed in the road, at the intersection of Relyea Road and Upper Wedgewood Lane, Cox said. This area is not heavily traveled, he said.

Assisting at the scene were Guilderland’s Emergency Medical Services, the Altamont Rescue Squad, the Guilderland Center Fire Department, and the Westmere Fire Department.

More Guilderland News

The Altamont Enterprise is focused on hyper-local, high-quality journalism. We produce free election guides, curate readers' opinion pieces, and engage with important local issues. Subscriptions open full access to our work and make it possible.