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The families of six of the women killed in the horrific avalanche north of Lake Tahoe have broken their silence, revealing their heartache and the identities of more of the victims.
Carrie Atkin, Kate Morse, Danielle Keatley, Caroline Sekar, Kate Vitt and Liz Claubaugh all died Tuesday in the tragic event, and their loved ones united to release a statement Thursday.
“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.”
While the families said they still have many unanswered questions surrounding the shocking deaths, they laid out some more details on what happened leading up to the fateful trip.
“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.”
“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.
English (US)