Families of Six Castle Peak Avalanche Victims Release Statement

Families of six of the Castle Peak avalanche victims released a statement on February 19, 2026. It has been republished word-for-word below.

Statement From the Families of Six of the Castle Peak Avalanche Victims:

"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. 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.

We have many unanswered questions, but here is what we know at this time: 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. They were trained and prepared for backcountry travel and trusted their professional guides on this trip. They were fully equipped with avalanche safety equipment.

We are profoundly grateful for the extensive rescue efforts by Nevada County Search and Rescue, Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue and all of the authorities involved, and for the outpouring of support from the Tahoe community and beyond.

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.

We are asking for privacy and space as our families grieve this sudden and profound loss.

At this time, we ask that you not contact the families directly and direct all inquiries to:

Jess Weaver, JVP Communications, jessica@jvpcommunications.com

From the families of:

Carrie Atkin
Liz Clabaugh
Danielle Keatley
Kate Morse
Caroline Sekar
Kate Vitt"

This is a developing story, and information will continue to be added.