The communities of Northern California, the Truckee–Tahoe region, Idaho, and beyond are mourning the heartbreaking loss of Carrie Atkin, Liz Clabaugh, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, Caroline Sekar, and Kate Vitt, six beloved women whose lives were tragically cut short in a devastating avalanche in California’s Sierra-Tahoe backcountry near Castle Peak. Their passing has left families, friends, and entire communities in profound grief as they struggle to comprehend the loss of vibrant lives defined by friendship, courage, and a deep love for the mountains. Two additional victims have not yet been publicly identified, and the tragedy has touched countless lives connected to this close-knit group.
According to a statement released by the families, the women were part of a group of eight close friends on a professionally guided, two-night backcountry hut ski trip near Truckee, California. What began as a carefully planned outdoor adventure ended in unimaginable tragedy when a powerful avalanche swept through the rugged terrain Tuesday morning. The group was experienced in backcountry travel, equipped with avalanche safety gear, and guided by professionals. They shared not only advanced skills and preparation but a deep respect for the mountains they loved.
In a collective statement, the families expressed their grief and admiration:
“We are devastated beyond words. Our focus right now is supporting our children through this incredible tragedy and honoring the lives of these extraordinary women. They were all mothers, wives, and friends, all of whom connected through the love of the outdoors. They were passionate, skilled skiers who cherished time together in the mountains.”
The women lived across the Bay Area, Idaho, and the Truckee–Tahoe region, but geography never diminished their bond. They found joy, renewal, and friendship through shared adventures in nature, building a lifelong connection rooted in trust, resilience, and love for the outdoors.
Kate Vitt, a Greenbrae resident and mother of two, was remembered by neighbors as a devoted parent and kind presence in the community. A former employee of SiriusXM and previously associated with Pandora, she balanced a successful career with an unwavering commitment to family and community. Neighbors described her as thoughtful and compassionate — the kind of person who walked children to school and brought warmth to everyday interactions.
Caroline Sekar, a 45-year-old San Francisco mother of two, was traveling alongside her sister, Liz Clabaugh, 52, of Idaho. Their bond as sisters and friends made their loss especially devastating to loved ones. Clabaugh served as a nurse residency program coordinator for St. Luke’s Health System in Boise, dedicating her career to mentoring the next generation of nurses. Their brother expressed the family’s sorrow, saying the reality of losing both sisters is beyond words.
Carrie Atkin, who lived in Lake Tahoe with her husband and two children, was known as a former corporate executive, leadership coach, and former Division I track and field athlete. She inspired others through mentorship and leadership, helping individuals grow both personally and professionally. Her life embodied strength, perseverance, and compassion.
Danielle Keatley and Kate Morse, remembered by friends as accomplished skiers and devoted friends, shared the same spirit of adventure and loyalty that defined the group. Their friendships were forged through years of shared experiences, including time spent skiing, raising families, and supporting one another through life’s milestones.
The women were reportedly connected through college friendships, including ties to Stanford University, and remained deeply bonded decades later. Their annual trips and shared outdoor pursuits were treasured traditions that strengthened their enduring connection.
The avalanche struck near Castle Peak, about 16 miles west of Truckee, in terrain known for its beauty and volatility. Authorities reported that fifteen skiers were caught in the slide, which was described as spanning an area as large as a football field. Eight skiers lost their lives, while six survivors were rescued after seeking shelter and communicating via an emergency beacon. Rescue teams from Nevada County Search and Rescue and Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue worked tirelessly in dangerous conditions to reach survivors.
Officials later confirmed that the skiers had stayed at Frog Lake Huts and were on the final day of their guided trip. The terrain around the 9,110-foot peak is rugged and remote, and severe weather conditions continued to pose risks to rescuers. The avalanche is now considered the deadliest in California’s recorded history, and an investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding the tour.
Despite the heartbreak, the families expressed deep gratitude for the heroic rescue efforts and the overwhelming support from the Tahoe community and beyond. Their message emphasized unity, compassion, and caring for one another in the face of unimaginable loss.
The legacy of Carrie Atkin, Liz Clabaugh, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, Caroline Sekar, and Kate Vitt lives on through the families they cherished, the friendships they nurtured, and the communities they strengthened. They were women of strength, compassion, and adventure — mothers raising children with love, professionals contributing to their communities, and friends whose laughter and loyalty enriched countless lives.
As loved ones navigate grief, they ask for privacy and space to mourn and to honor these remarkable women in the way they would have wanted — by supporting one another, embracing the outdoors they loved, and living with courage, kindness, and connection.
May their memories remain a guiding light in the mountains they cherished and in the hearts of all who knew and loved them.