Local News
Victims killed in Avalanche near Lake Tahoe Identified
TRUCKEE, Calif. — The families of six of the nine individuals killed in last week’s avalanche near Castle Peak have publicly identified their loved ones and released a statement expressing profound grief as they begin to mourn the sudden loss.
The six women have been identified as Carrie Atkin, Liz Clabaugh, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, Caroline Sekar, and Kate Vitt.
A representative for their families said the women were mothers, wives, and close friends who bonded over a shared love of the outdoors and a deep passion for skiing.
“We are devastated beyond words,” the families said in a joint statement. “Our focus right now is supporting our children through this incredible tragedy and honoring the lives of these extraordinary women.”
According to the statement, eight close friends had carefully organized a professionally guided, two-night backcountry hut trip to Frog Lake Huts outside Truckee.
The excursion had been scheduled well in advance and was led by professional guides.
The group began their three-day trip on Sunday, as winter storm warnings intensified across the Sierra Nevada.
They stayed in high-country huts near Frog Lake, accessible only by challenging backcountry trails.
Family members described the women as experienced and well-prepared backcountry skiers who deeply respected the mountains.
They were trained in avalanche safety, fully equipped with proper rescue gear, and trusted their professional guides during the trip.
“We have many unanswered questions,” the families said, “but we know they were passionate, skilled skiers who cherished time together in the mountains.”
The avalanche struck on February 17 near Castle Peak, claiming the lives of nine people.
The women lived in the Bay Area, Idaho, and the Truckee–Tahoe region.
Two sisters were among those killed, according to their brother, McAlister Clabaugh, who spoke to media outlets. Caroline Sekar, a mother of two, lived in San Francisco, while her sister Liz Clabaugh resided in Boise, Idaho. Their brother said they were traveling with close college friends.
Mill Valley Mayor Max Perrey confirmed that some members of the group were mothers from his community.
Sugar Bowl Academy, a private ski academy located on Donner Summit, also issued a statement mourning the loss of skiers with strong ties to the Sugar Bowl and backcountry community. Executive Director Stephen McMahon described the academy as “an incredibly close and connected community” and said the tragedy had deeply affected its members. The academy has produced multiple Olympic athletes over the years.
Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo noted that one of the victims was married to a member of a local backcountry search and rescue team.
In their statement, the families expressed gratitude for the extensive rescue and recovery efforts conducted by Nevada County Search and Rescue, Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue, and other responding agencies. They also thanked the broader Tahoe community and supporters nationwide for the outpouring of compassion.
“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 read.
The families have asked for privacy and space as they grieve what they described as a sudden and profound loss.
The investigation into the avalanche remains ongoing as authorities continue to review weather conditions and terrain factors surrounding the tragedy.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.