Vigil Held for 9 Killed in Tahoe Avalanche

Mourners remember group of friends and guides who died in backcountry tragedy

Feb. 23, 2026 at 4:56pm

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A candlelight vigil was held in Truckee, California to honor the nine people killed in a backcountry avalanche near Lake Tahoe on February 17. The victims included six skiers and three tour guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides. Truckee's mayor said the community is experiencing a 'sense of loss, fear and anxiety' following the tragedy.

Why it matters

The deadly avalanche has shaken the close-knit Truckee community, which is known for its outdoor recreation and tourism. The vigil was an opportunity for residents to come together and mourn the loss of these experienced skiers and guides, while also reflecting on the inherent risks of backcountry activities and the need for safety measures.

The details

The nine victims were formally identified as Carrie Atkin, Lizabeth Clabaugh, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, Caroline Sekar, Katherine Vitt, Andrew Alissandratos, Nicole "Niki" Choo, and Mike Henry. They were part of a group of 15 skiers, including 11 clients and 4 guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides, who were caught in the avalanche while returning from a 3-day backcountry skiing trip.

  • The avalanche occurred on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 in the Castle Peak area of the Tahoe National Forest near Truckee.
  • The vigil was held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, one day after authorities announced that all nine victims had been recovered from the mountain.

The players

Truckee Mayor Anna Klovstad

The mayor of Truckee, California, who spoke at the vigil and said the community is experiencing a 'sense of loss, fear and anxiety' following the tragedy.

Truckee Vice Mayor Courtney Henderson

The vice mayor of Truckee, California, who said at the vigil that 'The families carrying those losses bear a weight that is unbearable.'

Blackbird Mountain Guides

The guiding company that employed three of the victims - Andrew Alissandratos, Nicole "Niki" Choo, and Mike Henry.

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What they’re saying

“The families carrying those losses bear a weight that is unbearable.”

— Courtney Henderson, Truckee Vice Mayor

“We are all experiencing a sense of loss, fear and anxiety.”

— Anna Klovstad, Truckee Mayor

“It's so sad. And we're really sorry for the families and the survivors. It's just really tragic.”

— Linda Williams

What’s next

Resources will be made available in the Truckee community for anyone needing support following the tragedy.

The takeaway

This devastating avalanche has left the tight-knit Truckee community in mourning, highlighting the risks of backcountry activities and the importance of safety measures. The vigil provided an opportunity for residents to come together and support one another through this unimaginable loss.