Kate Witt, a respected radio executive and mother of two, was among the victims who tragically lost their lives in an avalanche near Lake Tahoe on February 17. The incident, which took the lives of eight people, has shocked the Marin County community as family and friends mourn the loss of these passionate skiers and beloved members of their community.
What happened:
The tragedy occurred around 11:30 a.m. local time in the Castle Peak area of the Tahoe National Forest. A group of 15 skiers, including 11 clients and four guides, were trapped in an avalanche after concluding a three-day backcountry skiing trip. Authorities confirmed that eight people died, including Witt, and another skier was missing and presumed dead.
Witt, 53, served as vice president of product operations and customer success at SiriusXM until 2025 and previously worked for Pandora. She lived in Marin County with her husband Geoff and their two children. According to her family, Witt was one of six mothers who went on a skiing trip together. They were described as “passionate, skilled skiers who loved spending time together in the mountains” and the group of friends had a strong bond over their shared love of the outdoors.
Following the accident, the Kentfield School District, where Witt’s children attend school, issued a message of support. The district described the family as “a beloved part of our community” and said Witt’s two sons are currently with their father as they recover from the heartbreaking loss.
Community reactions and impacts:
The avalanche has left the tight-knit community of Marin County in mourning. Local leaders, such as Marin County Board of Supervisors member Brian Colbert, expressed sadness at the loss. “Everybody knows everybody. It’s so sad because so many people knew these mothers,” Colbert said. Mill Valley Mayor Max Perre also expressed his condolences, saying, “Our thoughts in Mill Valley are with the families who have been affected. This is a tremendous tragedy and a tremendous loss.”
This tragic incident has shaken not only the families directly involved, but also the larger community of skiers and outdoor enthusiasts. Local ski schools, such as Sugar Bowl Academy, which were indirectly involved with the trip, have offered their support to the families affected by the incident.
looking ahead:
As efforts continue to locate the missing skiers, the community’s focus remains on supporting the grieving families. The identities of the victims are gradually being revealed, with the brothers of Caroline Secker and Liz Clabaugh confirming their deaths in an emotional statement. Their family described them as “incredible sisters, mothers, wives and friends”, underscoring the immense loss felt by their loved ones.
As authorities work to manage the ongoing search and investigation, the families affected by this tragedy rely on each other and their community for support. In a month that marks the beginning of the skiing season, this incident served as a sobering reminder of the dangers of backcountry skiing and the unpredictable nature of mountain conditions.