Florham Park Man Killed In Ski Slope Crash: Police

FLORHAM PARK, NJ — A 22-year-old from Florham Park was killed while skiing in New York over the weekend, New York State Police said.

Robert Vrablik was pronounced dead Saturday evening following an afternoon crash at Hunter Mountain, New York State Trooper Steven V. Nevel said. Vrablik, an "expert skier," was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Vrablik was skiing with his sister and a friend on the Trail Twilight at the mountain when he lost control and landed on his chest and face, Nevel said. Vrablik was responsive when first aid Ski Patrol responded, and told them he had "caught an edge" before the crash.

He was flown to Albany Medical Center, and was pronounced dead at 7:18 p.m., Nevel said. The preliminary cause of death is a cardiac contusion, or a bruise of the heart muscle.

The Hunter Mountain website describes the trail where the crash happened as"intermediate" difficulty; it is new this season.

"We are devastated by this tragedy. The management, ski patrol, and entire staff of Hunter Mountain extend our hearts and all the support we can give to the family and friends of the guest during this extremely difficult time," Hunter Mountain spokesperson Katie O'Connor said in a statement.