Bodies of 9 people caught in deadly California avalanche recovered

The Nevada County Sheriff's Office confirmed the identities of the victims during a news conference.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Nine bodies have been found during recovery efforts for the deadly Tahoe-area avalanche that took place earlier this week in California. The Nevada County Sheriff's Office hosted a news conference on Saturday to provide updates on the Feb. 17 tragedy, confirming the identities of the nine victims.

Why it matters

This avalanche is the deadliest in California's recorded history, highlighting the risks and dangers that outdoor enthusiasts can face, even in popular recreation areas. The tragedy has devastated the local communities and families of the victims, who were all experienced and passionate skiers.

The details

The nine victims identified by the Nevada County Sheriff's Office are: Andrew Alissandratos, 34, from Verdi, Nevada; Michael Henry, 30, from Tampa Bay, Florida; Carrie Atkin, 42, from South Lake Tahoe; Liz Clabaugh, 52, from Boise, Idaho; Danielle Keatley, 44, from Marin County; Kate Morse, 45, from Marin County; Caroline Sekar, 45, from San Francisco; and Kate Vitt, 43, from Marin County. Alissandratos and Henry were guides at Blackbird Mountain Guides. The six women were identified by their families on Thursday.

  • The avalanche occurred on February 17, 2026.
  • The Nevada County Sheriff's Office held a news conference on February 22, 2026 to provide updates on the recovery efforts.

The players

Nevada County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that hosted the news conference and provided updates on the avalanche recovery efforts.

Blackbird Mountain Guides

The guiding company that employed two of the victims, Andrew Alissandratos and Michael Henry.

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What’s next

The Nevada County Sheriff's Office said they will not declare the recovery process complete until the responders have returned from the mountain.

The takeaway

This tragic avalanche serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks and dangers that outdoor enthusiasts can face, even in popular recreation areas. The devastating loss of life has deeply impacted the local communities and families, highlighting the importance of safety precautions and preparedness when engaging in winter sports and activities.