The families of six skiers killed in a deadly avalanche on Lake Tahoe are breaking their silence.
Carrie Atkin, Kate Morse, Danielle Keatley, Caroline Sekar, Kate Vitt, and Liz Claubaugh died during the resulting tragedy. Their families came together and released a joint statement.
"We are devastated beyond words. Our focus right now is supporting our children through this incredible tragedy and honoring the lives of these extraordinary women," the statement said. "They were all mothers, wives, and friends. All of whom connected through the love of the outdoors. They were passionate, skilled skiers who cherished time together in the mountains. They lived in the Bay Area, Idaho, and the Truckee-Tahoe region."
The families say they still have a lot of questions about the avalanche and what happened.
"Eight close friends planned a professionally guided, two-night backcountry hut trip to Frog Lake Huts outside Truckee, California. The trip had been organized well in advance. They were experienced backcountry skiers who deeply respected the mountains," the statement continued. "They were trained. And prepared for backcountry travel and trusted their professional guides on this trip. They were fully equipped with avalanche safety equipment."
Avalanche Hits Skiers
"We are heartbroken and are doing our best to care for one another and our families in the way we know these women would have wanted," the statement concluded.
Six people survived the deadly avalanche. Sadly, eight people died and one remains missing. Following the tragedy, the tour company released a statement.
The statement read: "Blackbird Mountain Guides is currently responding to a serious backcountry incident involving an avalanche that occurred this morning, February 17, near the Frog Lake huts in the Castle Peak area. A total of 11 clients and four guides had been staying at the Frog Lake huts since February 15. The group was in the process of returning to the trailhead at the conclusion of a three-day trip when the incident occurred."
They continued, "The leadership team at Blackbird Mountain Guides is working in full coordination with the Nevada County Sheriff's Office and Nevada County Search and Rescue to support the ongoing rescue operation. Blackbird Mountain Guides is in direct contact with the emergency contacts of the affected clients and guides and is providing them with regular updates as verified information becomes available."
