Many questions remain after the deadliest avalanche in the U.S. in decades, but we now know more about some of the people who tragically lost their lives.
A catastrophic avalanche struck the Sierra Nevada near Lake Tahoe on Tuesday, killing up to nine people and leaving families devastated during a backcountry skiing trip.
As more information has emerged, loved ones have identified at least six of the victims as a tightly knit group of mothers who shared a love of the outdoors and a tradition of traveling together.
In a joint statement, their families named the women as Kate Vitt, Carrie Atkin, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, and sisters Caroline Sekar and Liz Clabaugh. They described them as inseparable friends, united by adventure and deep devotion to their families.
“We are devastated beyond words,” the families said. “Right now, our focus is supporting our children through this unimaginable tragedy and honoring the lives of these extraordinary women.”
The women, many from California, Idaho, and the Truckee–Tahoe area, were experienced backcountry skiers equipped with avalanche safety gear. Their loved ones emphasized that their connection went far beyond skiing.
“They were all mothers, wives, and friends who bonded through their love of the outdoors. They were passionate, skilled skiers who treasured time together in the mountains.”
A Trip Turned Tragic
Authorities reported that the group was returning to camp when the avalanche struck near Castle Peak in the Sierra Nevada. They had been part of a guided, multi-day expedition involving 15 skiers. Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon later confirmed that the search shifted from rescue to recovery as chances of finding additional survivors dwindled.
“They were on their way back to camp when the avalanche hit,” Moon said, noting that it took rescuers hours to locate the first survivors.
Eight people have been confirmed dead, with one additional skier still missing and presumed dead. This slide is being called the deadliest avalanche in California history and the deadliest in the United States since 1981.
Remembering the Women
Among the victims was Kate Vitt, a mother of two and former SiriusXM executive from Marin County. Community members expressed shock and grief as they rallied around the affected families.
Caroline Sekar, 45, of San Francisco, died alongside her sister Liz Clabaugh, 52, a Boise-based graduate nurse residency coordinator. Their brother told The New York Times about the profound loss:
“I’m just devastated. These are two of the best people I’ve ever known. They were incredible sisters, mothers, wives, and friends. The idea that they are both gone—I don’t even know how to put it into words.”
Several members of the group were part of Sugar Bowl Academy, a competitive ski school community that is now mourning with friends and families.
“This tragedy has touched every one of us. The depth of support for the families whose lives have been forever changed shows how special this community is,” Executive Director Stephen McMahon said, according to Fox News.
Community Grief and Ongoing Recovery
The avalanche occurred around 11:30 a.m. local time, triggering a large-scale search-and-rescue operation involving multiple agencies. Harsh weather and unstable snow have made recovery difficult, and public access to the Castle Peak area has been closed through mid-March to protect first responders.
Families expressed gratitude for the extensive rescue efforts and the support received from across the region.
“We are profoundly grateful for the tireless work of Nevada County Search and Rescue, Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue, and all authorities involved, as well as the outpouring of support from the Tahoe community and beyond.”
Yet their grief remains immense as they support one another and strive to honor the spirit of the women they lost.
“We are heartbroken, and we are doing our best to care for each other and our families in the way we know these women would have wanted.”
This is such a heartbreaking loss. Our thoughts are with the families during this incredibly difficult time.