San José State Graduate Found Dead in Tree Well at Tahoe Ski Resort

The 21-year-old recent graduate was skiing at Northstar California Resort when he went missing and was later discovered deceased.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A 21-year-old recent graduate of San José State University was found dead in a tree well at the Northstar California Resort in Truckee, California. Colin Kang went skiing on Tuesday and did not return, prompting a search effort that located his body on Thursday morning. Authorities believe Kang fell into the tree well, a hidden hollow that can form around trees in snowy areas, though the official cause of death remains under investigation.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers that skiers can face, even at established ski resorts, when environmental conditions like heavy snowfall create hidden hazards like tree wells. Kang's death comes just weeks after a separate avalanche in the Lake Tahoe region killed at least eight people, raising concerns about safety in the area's winter sports activities.

The details

Kang's car was found in the Northstar parking lot after he failed to return from his ski trip on Tuesday. Search and rescue teams, including the Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue Team and Northstar Ski Patrol, conducted an extensive search effort before locating Kang's body on a black diamond run at the resort on Thursday morning. Authorities believe Kang fell into a tree well, a hidden hollow that can form around trees in snowy areas, though the official cause of death remains under investigation.

  • Kang went skiing at Northstar California Resort on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Kang's body was found by search and rescue teams on Thursday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Colin Kang

A 21-year-old recent graduate of San José State University who died in a tree well incident while skiing at Northstar California Resort.

Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue Team

The search and rescue team that located Kang's body on the ski resort's trails.

Northstar Ski Patrol

The ski patrol team at Northstar California Resort that assisted in the search efforts for Kang.

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What’s next

The Placer County Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Kang's death, including the official cause.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks that skiers can face, even at established resorts, and the importance of being aware of environmental hazards like tree wells, especially during periods of heavy snowfall. It also highlights the critical role of search and rescue teams in responding to emergencies in remote winter sports locations.