The death toll resulting from a tragic avalanche incident that claimed the lives of off-piste skiers has now increased to nine individuals. The avalanche occurred at Castle Peak, located approximately 16km north of Lake Tahoe in northern California. Following extensive search efforts, officials have recovered the bodies of all missing skiers. Among the victims were six members of a close female friendship group known for their expertise in off-piste skiing. Tragically, two of the victims were identified as sisters, while the other three were guides. Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon expressed gratitude for being able to bring the victims home despite the heartbreaking outcome.
The families of the deceased friends paid a heartfelt tribute, emphasizing that the women were equipped with avalanche safety gear during their mountain excursion. The group, all in their forties, included Kate Morse, Kate Vitt, Carrie Atkin, Danielle Keatley, and sisters Liz Clabaugh and Caroline Sekar. They had gathered from various parts of the U.S. for a guided skiing adventure over the weekend.
In a statement, the families expressed deep sorrow, highlighting the women’s roles as mothers, wives, and friends united by their love for the outdoors. Descriptions of the victims painted a picture of warmth, kindness, and positivity, with tributes underscoring their remarkable qualities and the impact they had on those around them.
The remaining victims, identified as guides Michael Henry, Andrew Alissandratos, and Nicole Choo from Blackbird Mountain Guides, were also mourned by their employer. The company’s founder, Zeb Blais, acknowledged the profound tragedy and extended support to the families and team members affected by the loss of their colleagues and friends.
As investigations into the avalanche incident continue, the terrain has been declared off-limits to visitors until mid-March. Authorities are exploring the circumstances surrounding the tragedy to determine if any factors of potential criminal negligence were involved. The district attorney’s office will ultimately decide on any criminal charges resulting from the ongoing investigation.
