Missing Skier Found Dead at Northstar California Resort

Tragedy strikes Lake Tahoe area as student's body discovered on black diamond trail, days after 8 killed in nearby avalanche

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 21-year-old San Jose State University student, Colin Kang, was found dead on the black diamond Sugar Pine Glade trail at Northstar California Resort on Thursday, after going missing on Tuesday. This is the third ski-related death at the resort in the last two weeks, coming just days after a deadly avalanche at nearby Castle Peak killed 8 people.

Why it matters

The recent spate of ski-related deaths in the Lake Tahoe area has raised concerns about safety and risk management at local resorts, especially in light of the deadly Castle Peak avalanche that claimed 8 lives. These incidents highlight the need for improved safety protocols, avalanche forecasting, and rescue operations to protect skiers and snowboarders.

The details

Colin Kang's body was discovered on the expert Sugar Pine Glade trail at Northstar California Resort, after he was reported missing by his college ski team on Wednesday night. The Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team deployed 15 skiers, a snowcat, and two snowmobilers to locate Kang's body on Thursday morning. This is the third ski-related death at Northstar in the last two weeks, following the deaths of Stuart McLaughlin on Sunday and Nicholas Kenworthy on February 12.

  • Colin Kang went missing around noon on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Kang's body was discovered around 9am on Thursday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Colin Kang

A 21-year-old San Jose State University student who was found dead on the black diamond Sugar Pine Glade trail at Northstar California Resort.

Northstar California Resort

A ski resort located in Lake Tahoe, California, where three ski-related deaths have occurred in the last two weeks.

Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team

The team that deployed 15 skiers, a snowcat, and two snowmobilers to locate Colin Kang's body on the Sugar Pine Glade trail.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We are heartbroken by this loss. Our deepest sympathies are with his family and loved ones, and with the team members who had the privilege of working alongside him.”

— Tara Schoedinger, Northstar California Manager

What’s next

Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding Colin Kang's death, and the resort is reviewing its safety protocols and rescue operations in the wake of the recent ski-related fatalities.

The takeaway

The tragic incidents at Northstar California Resort and the nearby Castle Peak avalanche have underscored the need for improved safety measures and emergency response procedures at ski resorts in the Lake Tahoe area, to protect skiers and snowboarders from the inherent risks of the sport.