Missing Skier Found Dead at Northern California Resort

21-year-old Colin Kang's body discovered after overnight search at Northstar California Resort near Lake Tahoe

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 21-year-old skier who was reported missing at Northstar California Resort near Lake Tahoe was found dead on Thursday morning, according to the Placer County Sheriff's Office. Authorities began searching for the man, identified as Colin Kang from the San Francisco Bay Area, after his vehicle was found in the resort's parking lot and he did not return as expected from skiing earlier in the day. Search crews located Kang's body around 9 a.m. after an overnight search effort involving 15 skiers, a snowcat, and two snowmobilers.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers that skiers can face, even at established resorts, and the importance of safety precautions and prompt emergency response when someone goes missing on the slopes. It comes just days after a deadly avalanche in a neighboring county claimed several lives, underscoring the risks of backcountry skiing in the region.

The details

According to the Placer County Sheriff's Office, deputies received a report of a possible missing person at Northstar California Resort around 11 p.m. on Wednesday. Authorities quickly located the man's vehicle in the resort's parking lot and determined he had gone skiing earlier in the day but did not return as expected. The Placer County Office of Emergency Management coordinated a search effort that included 15 skiers, a snowcat, and two snowmobilers, as well as assistance from Northstar Ski Patrol. Kang's body was discovered around 9 a.m. on Thursday, but the circumstances surrounding his death have not been released.

  • The initial report of a possible missing person was received around 11 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.
  • Search efforts began early Thursday morning, February 20, 2026.
  • Kang's body was located around 9 a.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Colin Kang

A 21-year-old skier from the San Francisco Bay Area who was reported missing at Northstar California Resort and was found deceased.

Placer County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that received the report of a missing skier and coordinated the search effort.

Northstar California Resort

The ski resort located near Lake Tahoe where the missing skier was reported and where his body was ultimately found.

Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team

The search and rescue team that assisted in the effort to locate the missing skier.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Authorities have not released any additional details about the circumstances surrounding Kang's death, and it is unclear if any further investigation or actions will be taken.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the inherent risks and dangers that skiers can face, even at established resorts, and highlights the importance of safety precautions, prompt emergency response, and effective search and rescue operations when someone goes missing on the slopes.