A soon-to-be grandfather has been identified as one of the lucky survivors of a tragic avalanche that claimed the lives of nine people near Lake Tahoe, California, last week.
Jim Hamilton was among six people rescued about six hours after a group of 15 skiers—which included six “super moms” and four guides—were caught in an avalanche on Castle Peak during a backcountry skiing trip.
“I thought I lost you forever,” his wife, Beth Hamilton, expressed in a Facebook post. “Not knowing if I was going to survive was an indescribable pain,” she added, emphasizing the emotional toll it took on them.
His family called his survival a “miracle” and remarked that his life was “saved.”
According to a post on social media, the Hamiltons are expecting a grandchild this year. “J-Pa, we are all so lucky to continue to share this wonderful life with you and complete our family,” Beth wrote. “I can’t think of anything else. Dear Goat, welcome home.”
On Thursday, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office released the names of all the victims who perished.
The families of the six women also spoke out, revealing the details of their friends who passed away in the avalanche. Carrie Atkin, Kate Morse, Daniel Keetley, Caroline Sekar, Kate Witt, and Liz Krobaugh were the lives tragically lost, and their loved ones issued a statement expressing their grief.
A memorial service took place on Sunday to honor the nine skiers who died in this devastating incident. The guiding company, Blackbird Mountain Guides, also released a statement reflecting on the “devastating loss” of their guides, Andrew Alisandratos, Niki Chu, and Mike Henry.
A vigil was held in downtown Truckee to remember those who lost their lives. In her post, Beth mentioned that Jim described them as “amazing people who lived life to the fullest.”
“Words cannot express my sadness for the families who are grieving an unimaginable loss,” she remarked, mourning the nine tragic deaths.
