In the US, six mothers who were part of a close-knit group of friends were among the victims killed by an avalanche in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California.
The disaster occurred on February 17th in the Castle Peak area of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, California. It was the deadliest avalanche in the region’s modern history, resulting in 8 deaths, 1 missing person (presumably deceased), and 6 survivors.
An avalanche at Castle Peak in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, California, on February 17th killed eight people and left one missing. (Photo: Bloomberg)
The six victims have been identified as Carrie Atkin, Liz Clabaugh, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, Caroline Sekar, and Kate Vitt. They were all mothers in a close-knit group of friends who regularly went skiing together.
The accident occurred as the group was returning to their starting point after a multi-day backcountry skiing trip. Family representatives told the San Francisco Chronicle that the victims were all experienced, well-trained, and well-prepared skiers.
“We are devastated and speechless. Our focus now is on supporting the children through this tragedy and remembering these extraordinary women,” the victims’ families announced.
Among the victims were two sisters, Liz Clabaugh and Caroline Sekar. According to the New York Times , Liz was an obstetric nurse in Idaho, while Caroline was a technology consultant known for being friendly and helpful to her neighbors.
“They were wonderful sisters, mothers, wives, and friends. The pain of losing both of them is indescribable,” shared McAlister Clabaugh, Liz and Caroline’s brother.
The family of victim Kate Vitt. Photo: X
Kate Vitt, a resident of Marin County, California, has passed away, leaving behind two young children in elementary school. Several members of the group also had connections to the prestigious Sugar Bowl Ski Academy in the area. Executive Director Stephen McMahon said the tragedy is a great loss to the entire academy community.
Local authorities have not yet released the official identities of all the victims.
