California, Feb 22 (V7N) — In the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California, nine people — six close friends and three guides — have died in a devastating avalanche, marking the deadliest such incident in the United States in the past 45 years.
The victims were not only successful professionals but also devoted mothers and wives. Drawn by their deep love for the mountains, they had embarked on a three-day backcountry skiing expedition under the supervision of professional guides.
Among the deceased were two sisters, Liz Clabaugh and Caroline Secker. The families of the other four friends confirmed their identities as Carrie Atkin, Danielle Kitley, Kate Morse, and Kate Witt. They were residents of Idaho and the Bay Area and had long shared a passion for skiing together.
According to family members, all of them were experienced skiers who had undergone proper training and were equipped with the necessary safety gear. However, their preparations proved futile against the fury of nature.
On Tuesday morning, as the group was preparing to return, a massive sheet of snow — reportedly the size of a football field — suddenly crashed down on them. Witnesses said they were buried within seconds beneath a towering mass of ice and debris.
Rescue teams launched operations immediately after receiving distress signals, but severe weather conditions delayed their efforts. Battling strong winds and near-zero visibility, rescuers reached the site hours later. Although six people survived, the others could not be saved.
Local authorities have launched an investigation, particularly to determine whether any criminal negligence was involved. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office stated that the site remains extremely hazardous, preventing the recovery of eight bodies so far, while one person remains missing.
Survivors reported that after the avalanche, they sheltered under a tarp for several hours while waiting for help.
The tragedy has cast a deep shadow of grief over the community. According to psychologist Sarah Boylen, for those who love the mountains, the loss is immeasurable — as the very place they sought peace has now become a source of enduring trauma.
Source: CNN
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