The families of six women killed in a deadly avalanche north of Lake Tahoe have released a public statement, identifying the victims and describing the backcountry trip that ended in tragedy, as reported by The New York Post.

Carrie Atkin, Kate Morse, Danielle Keatley, Caroline Sekar, Kate Vitt, and Liz Claubaugh were among those killed Tuesday during an avalanche outside Truckee, California. On Thursday, their families issued a joint statement addressing the loss.

“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.

The bodies of eight skiers killed during an avalanche were found during a rescue effort late Tuesday in California near Lake Tahoe. Six skiers from their party survived and were evacuated, while one member of the group remains missing and presumed dead in what is already the… pic.twitter.com/9KrxfoTE1g

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“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.”

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According to the statement, eight close friends had planned the trip well in advance. The group booked a professionally guided, two-night backcountry hut trip to Frog Lake Huts outside Truckee.

“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.

The families said the women were not inexperienced adventurers. They emphasized that the group had taken appropriate precautions for backcountry travel.

“They were trained and prepared for backcountry travel and trusted their professional guides on this trip. They were fully equipped with avalanche safety equipment.”

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Despite those preparations, an avalanche struck during the trip, resulting in multiple fatalities. In total, 11 skiers and four guides were part of the excursion. Eight people are confirmed dead, and one person remains missing and is presumed dead.

Six individuals were rescued from the mountain following the avalanche. Those survivors included five women and one man, ranging in age from 30 to 55.

Rescue efforts have been complicated by dangerous mountain conditions. Authorities said Thursday that weather and terrain challenges prevented crews from recovering the bodies of those killed.

While many details surrounding the avalanche remain under investigation, the families acknowledged there are still unanswered questions about the circumstances leading up to the deadly event.

“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.

Friends and loved ones have also paid tribute to the women online, referring to them collectively as “supermoms,” a reflection of their roles as mothers and their close bond through skiing and the outdoors.

The avalanche north of Lake Tahoe has left families across multiple states mourning as recovery efforts continue in the Truckee–Tahoe region.

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