# Tragic End: Final Missing Lake Tahoe Skier Found Dead 5 Days After Deadly Avalanche
In a heartbreaking development amid one of California’s most devastating winter seasons, the final skier reported missing from a catastrophic avalanche near **Lake Tahoe** has been found dead, five days after the incident that claimed eight others.[3] This discovery compounds the grief at Northstar California Resort, where another young skier was recently found deceased, marking heightened safety concerns in the region.[1][2]
The avalanche in question struck on **Castle Peak**, a backcountry area just fewer than 29 miles northeast of Northstar California Resort in Placer County, California. Deemed the **deadliest avalanche in California’s recorded history**, it buried nine backcountry skiers, killing eight and leaving one unaccounted for until now.[1][3] Rescue teams battled extreme conditions, including 80 inches of recent snowfall at Northstar alone, which fueled unstable slopes across the Tahoe region.[3] The missing skier’s recovery closes a painful chapter, but details on the exact circumstances of the find remain limited as investigations continue.
This backcountry tragedy unfolded against a backdrop of perilous winter weather, with heavy snow accumulation creating persistent avalanche risks. Experts note that Castle Peak’s proximity to resorts like Northstar—located north of Lake Tahoe in Truckee—highlights the blurred lines between resort skiing and uncontrolled backcountry terrain.[1] The avalanche’s scale underscores the dangers of venturing off-piste without proper gear, training, or real-time weather assessments. As of February 22, 2026, officials have not released the identity of the final victim, focusing instead on supporting families and reviewing safety protocols.[3]
Closer to the resorts, Northstar California Resort has been at the center of its own somber news. Just days after the Castle Peak incident, 21-year-old **Colin Kang** from Fremont in the San Francisco Bay Area was reported missing on Wednesday, February 18, around 11 p.m.[1][2][3] Deputies from the Placer County Sheriff’s Office swiftly located his vehicle in the resort’s parking lot, confirming he had gone skiing earlier that day and failed to return.[1]
Search efforts kicked off early Thursday, February 19, coordinated by the Placer County Office of Emergency Management. The operation mobilized an impressive 15 search-and-rescue skiers from the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team, a snowcat, two snowmobilers, and support from Northstar’s ski patrol.[1][3] Around 9 a.m., crews located Kang deceased on the advanced **Sugar Pine Glade trail** (also referred to as Sugar Pine Trail), a treed run accessible via the Martis Camp Express lift.[1][2][3]
Northstar confirmed Kang was an off-duty employee, adding a layer of profound loss to the resort community. “We are heartbroken by this loss,” stated Tara Schoedinger, Northstar’s general manager. “Our deepest sympathies are with his family and loved ones, and with the team members who had the privilege of working alongside him.”[2] Authorities have withheld specifics on the cause of death, pending further investigation.[1][3]
Kang’s passing marks the **third fatality at Northstar this month**, painting a stark picture of risks on the slopes. The first occurred on February 6, when a 26-year-old man from Los Angeles died in a “skier incident” on an advanced trail.[2][3] The second involved a 53-year-old Bay Area man on February 15 (reported as Sunday in some accounts), who succumbed after colliding with another skier.[1][2][3] These incidents, combined with the nearby avalanche, have prompted calls for enhanced safety measures amid record snowfall.
| Incident | Date | Victim Details | Location/Cause |
|———-|——|—————-|—————|
| Avalanche (Castle Peak) | Recent (final missing found ~Feb 22) | 9 skiers affected; 9 deceased | Backcountry; deadliest in CA history[1][3] |
| Colin Kang | Feb 19 discovery | 21-year-old Fremont employee, off-duty | Sugar Pine Glade trail[1][2][3] |
| Skier Collision | Feb 15 | 53-year-old Bay Area man | Collision with another skier[1][2] |
| Skier Incident | Feb 6 | 26-year-old Los Angeles man | Advanced trail[2][3] |
The table above summarizes the cluster of deaths, illustrating a deadly trend at Northstar and beyond.[1][2][3]
Lake Tahoe’s ski season has been defined by extremes this year—heavy dumps creating powder paradise for some, but deadly hazards for others. Northstar, known for its terrain parks and gladed runs like Sugar Pine, attracts adventurers, yet recent events serve as a grim reminder. Avalanche forecasters warn of persistent weak layers in the snowpack, exacerbated by rapid loading from storms.[3] Resort officials urge skiers to stick to marked trails, wear beacons, and heed patrol closures.
For backcountry enthusiasts, the Castle Peak losses highlight the unforgiving nature of out-of-bounds skiing. Organizations like the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team play a critical role, but prevention remains key. Experts recommend checking UCAR’s avalanche forecast center, carrying avalanche transceivers, probes, and shovels, and traveling with partners trained in companion rescue.
As Tahoe mourns, communities rally. Northstar plans a memorial for Kang, while broader discussions on skier safety gain momentum. Families of the avalanche victims and resort fatalities deserve answers and support. These tragedies remind us: the mountains offer thrill, but demand respect. Stay informed, ski smart, and honor those lost by prioritizing safety.
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Original source: BBC News – Final missing Lake Tahoe skier found dead 5 days after avalanche
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