Missing man Reggie Vardon dies in fatal Victor storm-related incident

Reggie Vardon dies in fatal Victor storm-related incident

Fatal Victor storm-related death of Reggie Vardon – Obituary

The remains of 83-year-old Reggie Vardon, who had been missing since last summer, were identified this week following their discovery near Mud Creek in Victor, New York. Vardon was last seen on July 15, 2024, after leaving the ESL Credit Union on School Street.

His remains were located Tuesday night by a fisherman near McMahon Road. Clothing and skeletal remains were sent to the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office, where dental records confirmed Vardon’s identity. Investigators now believe that a violent storm may have contributed to his disappearance.

On the day Vardon went missing, the Finger Lakes region experienced extreme weather, including tornadoes, flash flooding, large hail, and extensive tree damage. Sheriff David Cirencione noted that more than 100 emergency calls were made that evening, and the storm likely played a role in Vardon’s death.

Despite immediate and extensive search efforts using ground teams, K9 units, helicopters, and drones, Vardon remained missing for 10 months. His body was ultimately found in a heavily wooded, remote area obscured by tall grass and fallen trees, making it nearly invisible until stumbled upon.

Authorities have not yet determined an official cause of death, but the sheriff stated that evidence supports the theory that Vardon may have been swept away by floodwaters during the storm. His remains were located within a mile of his home and close to Mud Creek.

Sheriff Cirencione expressed sympathy to the Vardon family, acknowledging the emotional difficulty of the last several months. He also praised Investigator LaBrake for his tireless dedication to finding Vardon and bringing closure to the family.