Tragic Avalanche Claims Lives of Six Women Near Lake Tahoe

The families of six women who lost their lives in a tragic avalanche north of Lake Tahoe have shared their grief and revealed the identities of the victims.

Carrie Atkin, Kate Morse, Daniel Keetley, Caroline Sekar, Kate Witt, and Liz Krobaugh died in the tragic incident on Tuesday. Their loved ones issued a heartfelt statement on Thursday expressing their sorrow.

“We are devastated beyond words. Our focus now is to support the children through this incredible tragedy and honor the lives of these extraordinary women,” their statement read.

All six women were mothers, wives, and friends who bonded over their love for the outdoors. They were dedicated skiers who cherished their time in the mountains, living in the Bay Area and the Truckee-Tahoe regions of Idaho.

Family members shared more details about the unfortunate trip, noting that much remains unclear about the events leading to the avalanche.

“Eight close friends had organized a two-night, professionally guided backcountry trip to Frog Lake Hut near Truckee, California. This adventure was planned well in advance. They were experienced backcountry skiers with a profound respect for the mountains,” the statement elaborated.

“They were trained and prepared for their trip and relied on their professional guides for safety. They were fully equipped with avalanche safety gear,” it continued.

Though the families are heartbroken, they are doing their best to support one another in a way that honors what the women would have wanted.

Online tributes from friends referred to the group as a collection of “supermoms.”

Rescue teams reported on Thursday that the mountain conditions were hindering the recovery of the victims’ bodies.

A total of 11 skiers and four guides participated in the trip, with eight fatalities and one individual still unaccounted for but presumed dead. Following the avalanche, six individuals, including five women and one man, aged between 30 and 55, were rescued from the mountain.