Six women killed Tuesday in an avalanche near Truckee were close friends from the Bay Area, Idaho and the Lake Tahoe region who had extensive ski experience and bonded over their shared love of the outdoors, according to a statement from their families released Thursday.
A spokesperson representing their families identified six of the victims as Carrie Atkin, Liz Clabaugh, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, Caroline Sekar and Kate Vitt, noting they were all mothers, wives and passionate skiers “who cherished time together in the mountains.” Records show the women were in their 40s and early 50s.
“We are devastated beyond words,” their families said in the statement. “Our focus right now is supporting our children through this incredible tragedy and honoring the lives of these extraordinary women.”
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Officials said eight people were confirmed dead after an avalanche struck their group of 15 people around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday. A ninth person who remained missing was presumed dead…