Six of the eight people killed in a deadly avalanche in California’s Sierra Nevada have been identified as members of a close-knit group of friends who regularly traveled together for ski trips and outdoor adventures.
The avalanche struck Tuesday in the Castle Peak area, a popular backcountry region, and has been described as the deadliest avalanche in the area in modern history. Officials say eight people were confirmed dead, while a ninth individual remains missing and is presumed dead. Six other people survived the incident.
According to multiple reports, the victims identified so far are Carrie Atkin, Liz Clabaugh, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, Caroline Sekar and Kate Vitt. A spokesperson speaking on behalf of the families told the San Francisco Chronicle that the women were longtime friends who frequently spent time skiing together and shared a deep love for the mountains.
In a statement released to the newspaper, the families said they were overwhelmed with grief and focused on helping their children process the loss. They also emphasized that the women were deeply valued by those who knew them, describing them as extraordinary individuals whose lives were centered on friendship, family and the outdoors.
Among the victims were two sisters, Liz Clabaugh and Caroline Sekar. Their brother, McAlister Clabaugh, told The New York Times he was struggling to put into words the magnitude of the loss. He described both women as exceptional people and said it was heartbreaking to lose them at the same time. He added that the larger group of skiers — reportedly 11 people total — had been close friends for years and often took trips together.
Reports indicate the avalanche hit as the group was returning to the trailhead after completing a multi-day backcountry ski trek. The setting underscores how quickly conditions can change in remote terrain, even for experienced outdoor travelers.
Clabaugh, according to the Chronicle, worked as a labor and delivery nurse at St. Luke’s Health System in Boise, Idaho. Her sister Sekar worked as a technology consultant. Sekar’s husband, Kiren Sekar, told the Times that his wife was known for her authentic personality and direct honesty. He said the two had been together for more than 20 years and shared a life filled with outdoor pursuits, including hiking, biking and skiing.
Neighbors in Marin County also remembered Sekar as someone who brought warmth and connection to her community. One neighbor recalled that Sekar welcomed newcomers with homemade cookies and helped coordinate neighborhood events such as produce pickups, group chats and block parties. Another described her as consistently kind, upbeat and willing to lend a hand, even in difficult situations.
The death of Kate Vitt was also confirmed through a message sent to families by the Kentfield School District in Marin County. Vitt was the mother of two elementary school children, and her loss has deeply affected the school community.
In their statement, the families emphasized that the group was made up of skilled backcountry skiers who respected the dangers of mountain travel. They noted that the women were trained, prepared and knowledgeable about the risks, challenging any assumption that the tragedy resulted from recklessness or inexperience.
Some of the victims reportedly had connections to Sugar Bowl Academy, an elite ski school in the region. The academy issued a statement mourning members of its extended community and acknowledging the deep emotional toll the avalanche has taken.
As the search and recovery efforts continue, the tragedy has sent shockwaves through the outdoor and skiing communities, serving as a grim reminder of the unpredictable dangers of backcountry terrain — even for those who know it well.
