Six Women Killed in Tahoe Avalanche Were Passionate Skiers and Friends

A recent avalanche in Tahoe’s backcountry claimed the lives of six women, who were remembered by their families as “mothers, wives and friends, all of whom connected through the love of the outdoors.” The tragic event has left a profound impact on their communities and loved ones.

The victims have been identified as Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, and Kate Vitt from Marin County, Caroline Sekar from San Francisco, Carrie Atkin from the Truckee-Tahoe area, and Liz Clabaugh from Boise, Idaho. The families released a statement Thursday evening acknowledging the six women.

According to a report by The New York Times, Clabaugh and Sekar were sisters, and Vitt was a mother to children attending elementary school in the Kentfield School District in Marin County.

In an email to KQED, Larkspur Mayor Stephanie Andre expressed her sorrow over the loss of Keatley, who co-founded Keatley Wines with her husband. Andre noted, “The pair were frequently seen supporting local organizations and sharing their namesake wines at community events,” and described Keatley as “a radiant, beautiful soul” who was “warm, kind and exuded a special quality that drew people to her.”

The family statement described the women as “passionate, skilled skiers who cherished time together in the mountains” and noted their expertise and preparedness for the trip. Despite their experience, the tragedy struck unexpectedly.

The incident has deeply affected the Truckee community, which has a population of just over 17,000 people. Mayor Anna Klovstad shared that the news has been traumatic, especially for a town where many residents are outdoor enthusiasts who frequent the Castle Peak wilderness.

Efforts from local search-and-rescue teams and the outpouring of community support have been a source of comfort. A vigil is planned for Sunday at 6 p.m. in downtown Truckee, accompanied by a community grief support session on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sierra College. An interfaith service is also scheduled for Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the Church of the Mountains, followed by drop-in support hours.

“Almost immediately, members of the community reached out offering their support and wanted to know how they could help,” Klovstad said, reflecting the tight-knit community’s response to the tragedy.

This story originally published to KQED.org on Feb 20, 2026.