6 mothers who cherished time together” killed in tragic Lake Tahoe avalanche

Many questions remain after what authorities are calling one of the deadliest avalanche disasters in the United States in decades. As investigators continue working to understand exactly what happened in the Sierra Nevada, families and communities are beginning to share the stories of the people whose lives were lost. Behind the headlines and statistics are individuals remembered not only for their love of the mountains, but for the families and friendships that defined their lives.

The tragedy unfolded on Tuesday morning near Castle Peak in the Sierra Nevada, close to Lake Tahoe. A group of 15 backcountry skiers participating in a guided multi-day expedition was making its way back toward camp when a powerful avalanche struck around 11:30 a.m. local time. What began as an urgent search-and-rescue mission quickly became a recovery operation as rescuers worked for hours to locate those buried beneath the snow. Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon confirmed that the avalanche hit while the group was returning from a day in the backcountry.

Authorities have confirmed at least eight deaths, while one additional skier remains missing and is presumed dead. Officials have described the disaster as the deadliest avalanche in California’s recorded history and the most lethal in the United States since 1981. Rescue teams from multiple agencies responded, including Nevada County Search and Rescue and Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue, operating in dangerous terrain complicated by unstable snowpack and harsh weather conditions.

As the identities of the victims have emerged, families revealed that many of those lost were part of a close circle of friends who shared years of adventure together in the mountains. In a joint statement, loved ones identified six of the victims as Kate Vitt, Carrie Atkin, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, Caroline Sekar, and Liz Clabaugh. Sekar and Clabaugh were sisters, making the loss even more devastating for their family. “We are devastated beyond words,” relatives said, adding that their focus is now on supporting the children and families left behind.

Those who knew the victims say they were more than skilled skiers. They were mothers, wives, and friends who bonded through their love of the outdoors and their shared experiences in the backcountry. Many lived in the Truckee–Tahoe region, as well as parts of California and Idaho, and had spent years skiing together. Friends described them as passionate about nature and deeply connected to their communities.

Among those remembered was Kate Vitt, a Marin County mother of two and a former SiriusXM executive. Her loss has been felt deeply in her community as neighbors and friends gather around her family in support. Caroline Sekar, a 45-year-old San Francisco mother, died alongside her sister Liz Clabaugh, 52, who worked as a graduate nurse residency coordinator in Boise. Their brother described the grief of losing both sisters at once as unimaginable, calling them “two of the best people I’ve ever known.”

Several of the victims were also connected to the community around Sugar Bowl Academy, a well-known competitive ski school in the region. Executive Director Stephen McMahon said the tragedy has shaken the entire community. He noted that the support shown to the affected families reflects how deeply interconnected the mountain community is.

Recovery efforts have continued in the days since the avalanche, though difficult weather and unstable snow conditions have slowed operations. Authorities have closed public access to the Castle Peak area through mid-March in order to protect rescue teams and investigators working in hazardous terrain. Officials say the closure will remain in place while recovery and safety assessments continue.

Despite the profound loss, families have expressed gratitude for the emergency responders and volunteers who worked tirelessly during the rescue effort. They have also thanked the Tahoe community and supporters from across the country who have sent messages of sympathy and support. For those grieving, the focus now is on remembering the lives behind the tragedy.

As communities across several states mourn, the disaster serves as a sobering reminder of both the beauty and unpredictability of mountain environments. The Sierra Nevada has long drawn skiers seeking adventure and connection with nature. In the wake of this tragedy, however, attention has turned to the families, friendships, and legacies left behind by those who lost their lives in the snow.