Larkspur mother, winemaker among ski group killed in Tahoe avalanche

Nine people died in the avalanche near Castle Peak during a guided backcountry ski trip.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A Larkspur mother, biotech executive and winemaker was among nine people killed in an avalanche near Castle Peak during a guided backcountry ski trip. The group included 11 clients and four guides, with six people surviving and being rescued hours later. The victims were described as passionate, skilled skiers who cherished time together in the mountains.

Why it matters

Avalanche accidents in the Tahoe region are a tragic but not uncommon occurrence, with backcountry skiing becoming increasingly popular despite the inherent risks. This incident highlights the dangers of winter sports in the mountains and the importance of proper safety precautions, even with guided groups.

The details

The avalanche struck the group of 15 skiers on Tuesday morning as they were returning from a three-day, professionally guided backcountry trip near Castle Peak during white-out storm conditions. Search crews located eight of the nine victims that evening and marked their positions in the snow for recovery once weather conditions improved.

  • The avalanche occurred on Tuesday morning.
  • Search crews located eight of the nine victims that evening.

The players

Danielle Keatley

A Larkspur mother, biotech executive and winemaker who was among the nine people killed in the avalanche.

Carrie Atkin

One of the victims from the Bay Area who had recently moved with her husband and children to the Tahoe area from San Francisco.

Caroline Sekar

One of the victims from San Francisco.

Kate Vitt

One of the victims from Greenbrae.

Kate Morse

One of the victims from Tiburon.

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What they’re saying

“Danielle was a radiant, beautiful soul. She was warm, kind and exuded a special quality that drew people to her.”

— Stephanie Andre, Mayor of Larkspur (eastbaytimes.com)

“They were passionate, skilled skiers who cherished time together in the mountains.”

— Families of the victims (eastbaytimes.com)

“Danielle was a remarkable leader, trusted voice and deeply valued teammate.”

— Ray Stevens, CEO of Structure Therapeutics (LinkedIn)

“Danielle was a deeply kind person and a great colleague to be stuck with on a road trip to bounce ideas off as we work persistently to make medicines more accessible to all those in need.”

— Ray Stevens, CEO of Structure Therapeutics (LinkedIn)

What’s next

Search crews are waiting for weather to clear so they can recover the remaining victim.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the inherent risks of backcountry skiing, even with experienced guides, and the importance of proper safety precautions. The victims were described as passionate, skilled skiers who cherished time together in the mountains, underscoring the draw of these outdoor activities despite the dangers.