TRUCKEE, Calif. — A 21-year-old San Jose State University student was found dead Thursday at Northstar California Resort, the third fatality at the Tahoe-area ski destination this month.
Placer County Sheriff’s Office deputies located the body of Colin Kang of Fremont on the advanced Sugar Pine Glade trail around 9 a.m. Thursday after he was reported missing late Wednesday. Kang, an off-duty Northstar employee, did not return from a ski outing and was found by search crews after his vehicle was discovered in the resort parking lot.
“Around 11 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, deputies received a report of a possible missing person. They immediately began investigating and located the vehicle of the missing 21-year-old man in the Northstar parking lot. Based on the investigation, it was determined he had gone skiing and did not return as expected.
Our Placer County Office of Emergency Management lieutenant quickly coordinated resources to support search efforts. The Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue Team Inc was activated early this morning, deploying 15 skiers, a snowcat, and two snowmobilers to search the area, with Northstar Ski Patrol members also assisting in the effort.
At about 9 a.m. this morning, the search team sadly located the man deceased. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.” –Placer County Sheriff’s Office
“We are heartbroken by this loss. Our deepest sympathies are with his family and loved ones, and with the team members who had the privilege of working alongside him.” -Tara Schoedinger, Northstar GM
Kang’s death marks the third at Northstar in February, following two other deadly incidents this month: Nicholas Kenworthy, 26, who died February 6th after a “serious incident” on the advanced Martis Trail, and Stuart McLaughlin, 53, who died February 15th in a collision with another skier on the Polaris Trail.
The fatalities come amid a period of unusually heavy snowfall and hazardous conditions in the Sierra Nevada that also saw a massive backcountry avalanche north of Lake Tahoe.
Key developments at Tahoe ski areas this month
Feb. 6: Nicholas Kenworthy, 26, died in a skiing incident on Northstar’s Martis Trail.
Feb. 15: Stuart McLaughlin, 53, died after colliding with another skier at Northstar.
Feb. 19: Colin Kang was found dead at Northstar after being reported missing. The series of incidents underscores dangerous winter conditions in the Lake Tahoe region as heavy snowfall continues.
