Sheree Panek Obituary, Death – Authorities in Genesee County, New York, are investigating a tragic traffic incident that resulted in the death of an 80-year-old man after a collision involving a deer on Route 19. The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that deputies responded to the scene of the crash on October 19, where two vehicles were affected in an unusual and devastating sequence of events.
According to the preliminary investigation, 68-year-old Sheree Panek of Pavilion was driving north on Route 19 when a deer suddenly entered the roadway. Panek’s vehicle struck the deer, causing it to become airborne. The animal then went through the windshield of an oncoming car driven by Michael Vaccaro, an 80-year-old resident of Rochester who was traveling southbound.
Following the impact, Vaccaro’s vehicle veered off the road and came to rest in a nearby ditch. Emergency responders arrived within minutes and found the vehicle with significant damage. Sadly, despite the quick response from first responders and medical personnel, Mr. Vaccaro did not survive the incident and was pronounced deceased at the scene by officials from the Genesee County Coroner’s Office.
Authorities confirmed that Ms. Panek and her passengers were not injured in the crash. They remained at the scene and cooperated fully with investigators as deputies began reconstructing the event to understand exactly how it unfolded.
Emergency services from several local departments, including the Pavilion Fire Department, the LeRoy Fire Department, Mercy EMS, and the LeRoy Ambulance Service, provided assistance. Their efforts included securing the area, directing traffic, and supporting the coroner’s team and investigators.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Deputies are reviewing factors such as the timing of the collision, visibility conditions, and the position of the vehicles before and after impact. While no foul play is suspected, officials are working to determine whether environmental factors, such as lighting or deer activity patterns, may have played a role.
Route 19, where the incident occurred, is a rural highway that runs through areas with frequent wildlife crossings. Local residents say that deer sightings are common along that stretch of road, particularly during early morning and evening hours when visibility is reduced and animal movement increases. Wildlife experts have noted that October is part of the seasonal period when deer are more active, increasing the likelihood of collisions with vehicles.
Community members expressed sorrow over the loss of Michael Vaccaro, describing him as a kind and respected member of his community in Rochester. Friends and neighbors shared that he was known for his friendly nature and active lifestyle. The news of his passing has left many deeply saddened.
In the aftermath of the crash, local authorities and safety officials are reminding drivers to remain alert in rural areas and during seasons of high wildlife activity. They advise motorists to reduce speed in deer-prone zones, use high beams when safe to do so, and avoid sudden swerves if an animal appears unexpectedly. Officials explain that while collisions with wildlife can sometimes be unavoidable, maintaining control of the vehicle can help minimize the risk of severe accidents.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that incidents like this highlight the unpredictable nature of driving in rural regions where wildlife is abundant. They urged the public to take extra care during autumn months and to report areas with frequent deer crossings so that safety warnings can be improved.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement has not indicated any pending citations or charges, noting that the crash appears to be a tragic and unforeseeable event. Once the final report is completed, it will be shared with the families involved and made available to the public.
For now, the community mourns the loss of Michael Vaccaro, and local officials extend their condolences to his loved ones. The incident serves as a solemn reminder of how quickly circumstances on the road can change, even for careful drivers, and underscores the need for continued vigilance and awareness while traveling through wildlife areas.
