- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Truckee Today
By the People, for the People
Two Skiers Die at Same California Resort Within Weeks
Tragic incidents at Northstar Ski Resort raise safety concerns
Published on Feb. 20, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Two men died in separate skiing accidents at the Northstar Ski Resort in Northern California within just 11 days of each other. Nicholas Kenworthy, 26, died on February 6 on the advanced Martis Trail, while Stuart McLaughlin, 53, died on February 15 after colliding with another skier on the Polaris trail. The resort and local authorities have expressed condolences to the victims' families.
Why it matters
The back-to-back deaths at the same resort have raised concerns about safety protocols and potential hazards on the slopes, especially on advanced trails. Ski resorts must balance providing thrilling terrain with ensuring proper safety measures are in place to protect guests.
The details
In the first incident on February 6, Nicholas Kenworthy was involved in a "serious incident" on the advanced Martis Trail and died after ski patrol responded and transferred him to the Truckee Fire Department. Less than two weeks later on February 15, Stuart McLaughlin collided with another skier on the advanced Polaris trail at 11:30 a.m. and was pronounced dead at the scene by ski patrol and the Northstar Fire Department. The other skier involved was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
- Nicholas Kenworthy died on February 6, 2026.
- Stuart McLaughlin died on February 15, 2026.
The players
Nicholas Kenworthy
A 26-year-old skier who died in an incident on the advanced Martis Trail at Northstar Ski Resort.
Stuart McLaughlin
A 53-year-old skier who died after colliding with another skier on the advanced Polaris trail at Northstar Ski Resort.
Northstar Ski Resort
The ski resort in Northern California where the two fatal incidents occurred.
Tara Schoedinger
The general manager of Northstar Ski Resort who expressed condolences to the victims' families.
Placer County Sheriff's Office
The local law enforcement agency that issued a statement extending condolences following McLaughlin's death.
What they’re saying
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic event, and the Northstar team extends our deepest condolences to the family, loved ones, and friends of the guests involved.”
— Tara Schoedinger, General Manager, Northstar Ski Resort (PEOPLE)
“The Placer County Sheriff's Office issued a statement extending 'sincere condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones'”
— Placer County Sheriff's Office (Fox 40)
What’s next
The Placer County Sheriff's Office and Northstar Ski Resort are investigating the circumstances surrounding both fatal incidents to determine if any safety improvements or policy changes are needed.
The takeaway
These tragic back-to-back deaths at Northstar Ski Resort underscore the inherent risks of skiing, even at well-established resorts, and the need for ski areas to prioritize guest safety through robust training, equipment maintenance, and trail design. Skiers must also exercise caution, especially on advanced runs, to prevent such devastating accidents.
