Mom of 2 Identified as Victim in Deadly Tahoe Avalanche

Kate Vitt, a former radio executive, was among the 9 killed in the Feb. 17 tragedy near Lake Tahoe.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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One of the victims from the Feb. 17 avalanche near Lake Tahoe has been identified as Kate Vitt, a mother of two elementary students in Marin County, California. Vitt previously worked as a vice president at SiriusXM and Pandora. The avalanche killed 8 skiers, with 1 still missing and presumed dead, after a group of 15 was caught in the incident.

Why it matters

The deadly avalanche near Lake Tahoe has devastated the local community, with several of the victims being mothers from the nearby Marin County area. The tragedy has highlighted the risks inherent in backcountry skiing and the impact it can have on families and close-knit communities.

The details

The avalanche occurred around 11:30 a.m. local time on Feb. 17 in the Castle Peak area of the Tahoe National Forest. The group of 15 skiers, made up of 11 clients and 4 guides, was caught in the avalanche at the end of a 3-day backcountry skiing trip. Initially, 9 group members were reported missing, but authorities later confirmed that 8 victims were found deceased. The 9th skier is still missing and presumed dead.

  • The avalanche occurred around 11:30 a.m. local time on February 17, 2026.
  • The Kentfield School District sent an email on February 18, 2026 identifying one of the victims as the mother of two elementary students in Marin County.

The players

Kate Vitt

A mother of two elementary students in Marin County, California, and a former vice president at SiriusXM and Pandora.

Geoff Vitt

The husband of Kate Vitt.

Brian Colbert

A member of the Marin County Board of Supervisors, representing the area including Greenbrae where the Vitt family resides.

Caroline Sekar

One of the victims identified as sisters with Liz Clabaugh, according to their brother.

Liz Clabaugh

One of the victims identified as sisters with Caroline Sekar, according to their brother.

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What’s next

Authorities are still searching for the 9th skier who remains missing and is presumed dead. The Nevada County Sheriff's Office says inclement weather has hindered their ability to safely extract the victims.

The takeaway

This tragic avalanche has devastated the close-knit communities of Marin County and Mill Valley, California, where many of the victims were beloved mothers, wives, and friends. It serves as a somber reminder of the risks inherent in backcountry skiing and the profound impact such incidents can have on families and local communities.