Six victims of California avalanche identified as part of close-knit friend group

The Guardian - World NewsEN 2 min read 100% complete by Coral Murphy MarcosFebruary 20, 2026 at 03:51 AM

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medium article 2 min

A deadly avalanche in the Castle Peak area of the Sierra Nevada claimed the lives of eight people, with six victims identified as Carrie Atkin, Liz Clabaugh, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, Caroline Sekar, and Kate Vitt. The women were part of a close-knit group of friends who frequently went on ski trips together. The avalanche, the deadliest in the region in modern times, struck as the group of eleven skiers was returning to the trailhead after a multi-day backcountry trek. Among the deceased were two sisters, Liz Clabaugh and Caroline Sekar. Family and friends described the victims as loving, generous, and adventurous individuals who cherished their time in the mountains.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

St Luke’s Health System 50% California 60% McAlister Clabaugh 60% Kiren Sekar 60% Sierra Nevada 70% Castle Peak 70% Danielle Keatley 80% Kate Morse 80% Carrie Atkin 80% Kate Vitt ×280% Liz Clabaugh ×290% Caroline Sekar ×390%

Keywords

avalanche 100% ski trip 70% tragedy 60% sierra nevada 60% close-knit group 50% victims 50% missing person 40% backcountry trek 40%

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Very Negative

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The Guardian - World News

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90%

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avalanche ski trip tragedy sierra nevada close-knit group victims missing person backcountry trek

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