2/20/2026 | United Kingdom | world | ✓ Verified - theguardian.com

Six victims of California avalanche identified as part of close-knit friend group

#California avalanche #Sierra Nevada #backcountry skiing #avalanche victims #friend group #Castle Peak #skiing tragedy #mountain safety

📌 Key Takeaways

Six avalanche victims identified as close-knit friend group
Deadliest Sierra Nevada avalanche in modern history kills eight
Victims were experienced backcountry skiers trained for mountain conditions
Two sisters among those killed, families devastated by loss

📖 Full Retelling

Six members of a close-knit friend group were identified among the eight people killed in a major avalanche that swept through the Castle Peak area of the Sierra Nevada this week, as the group of experienced backcountry skiers was returning to the trailhead following a multi-day trek. The identified victims – Carrie Atkin, Liz Clabaugh, Danielle Keatting, Kate Morse, Caroline Sekar, and Kate Vitt – were part of a group of 11 friends who frequently went on ski trips together, according to a spokesperson for the families. The women and their families 'cherished time together in the mountains,' the spokesperson said, as the community reels from what officials have called the deadliest avalanche in the region in modern times. Two sisters, Liz Clabaugh and Caroline Sekar, were among those killed, leaving their brother McAlister Clabaugh devastated by the loss of 'two of the best people I've ever known.' The avalanche, which occurred on Tuesday, killed eight people and left a ninth missing person presumed dead, while six others survived. 'We are devastated beyond words,' the families said in a statement to the San Francisco Chronicle, explaining their focus is 'supporting our children through this incredible tragedy and honoring the lives of these extraordinary women.' The group, described as experienced backcountry skiers who deeply respected the mountains and were trained and prepared for such conditions, had connections to Sugar Bowl Academy, an elite ski school that mourned members of its extended community.

🏷️ Themes

Tragedy, Community, Outdoor recreation safety

📚 Related People & Topics

Castle Peak

Topics referred to by the same term

Castle Peak may refer to:

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Sierra Nevada

Mountain range in the United States

The Sierra Nevada ( see-ERR-ə nih-VA(H)D-ə) is a mountain range in the Western United States, between the Central Valley of California and the Great Basin. The vast majority of the range lies in the state of California, although the Carson Range spur lies primarily in Nevada. The Sierra Nevada is pa...

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Entity Intersection Graph

Connections for Castle Peak:

🌐 Sierra Nevada 2 shared

🌐 Lake Tahoe 2 shared

🌐 California 1 shared

👤 Nevada County 1 shared

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Deep Analysis

Why It Matters

The avalanche claimed the lives of six close friends, highlighting the risks of backcountry skiing and the profound impact on tight-knit communities. It underscores the need for heightened safety awareness and support for families affected by such tragedies.

Context & Background

Avalanche struck the Castle Peak area in the Sierra Nevada
Eight people died and a ninth was missing
The victims were part of a long‑time friend group who skied together

What Happens Next

Investigators will continue to search for the missing person and assess avalanche conditions. Memorial services and community support efforts are expected to begin in the coming weeks, while ski safety organizations may review protocols.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the avalanche?

Heavy snowfall and unstable snowpack conditions in the Sierra Nevada triggered the slide.

How can skiers reduce avalanche risk?

Use proper equipment, check avalanche forecasts, and travel with experienced guides.

What support is available for affected families?

Local charities, ski schools, and community groups are offering counseling and financial aid.

Original Source

              Six victims of California avalanche identified as part of close-knit friend group Avalanche in Sierra Nevada killed at least eight people, including six who frequently went on ski trips together Six of the eight people who died after a major avalanche swept through the Castle Peak area of the Sierra Nevada this week have been identified, according to multiple reports. The identified victims – Carrie Atkin, Liz Clabaugh, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, Caroline Sekar and Kate Vitt – were part of a close-knit group who frequently went on ski trips together, a spokesperson for the families told the San Francisco Chronicle . The women and their families “cherished time together in the mountains”, the spokesperson said. Tuesday’s avalanche, the deadliest in the region in modern times, killed eight people and left a ninth missing person presumed dead. Six others survived. “We are devastated beyond words,” the families said in a statement to the Chronicle. “Our focus right now is supporting our children through this incredible tragedy and honoring the lives of these extraordinary women.” Two sisters, Liz Clabaugh and Caroline Sekar, were among those killed, according to the New York Times . Their brother, McAlister Clabaugh, said he was devastated by the loss. “These are two of the best people I’ve ever known,” he said. “They were incredible sisters, mothers, wives and friends. And the idea that they are both gone is, I don’t even know how to put it into words.” He added that many in the group of 11 skiers had been close friends for years and regularly traveled together on ski trips. The avalanche struck as the group was returning to the trailhead after a multi-day backcountry trek. Clabaugh worked as a labor and delivery nurse at St Luke’s Health System in Boise, Idaho, according to the Chronicle. Sekar worked as a technology consultant. Sekar’s husband, Kiren Sekar, told the Times that his wife was “authentic and unabashedly unfiltered”. He said they had been together for ...
            

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Source

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