Accident – death – Obituary News :

66-Year-Old Man Identified as Avalanche Victim at Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort

Placer County Sheriff’s Office Releases Name of Deceased Skier

The Placer County Sheriff’s Office has identified the victim of a tragic avalanche incident that occurred on Wednesday at Palisades Tahoe, a renowned ski resort nestled in California’s majestic Sierra Nevada mountains. The 66-year-old man has been named as Kenneth Kidd, a resident of both Point Reyes and the Truckee area.

The avalanche, which took place on the Palisades side of the resort, swept up four skiers, including Kidd. Despite the prompt response from rescue teams, Kidd succumbed to his injuries after being transported to a nearby hospital.

Injuries Sustained and Lives Saved

While Kidd tragically lost his life in the avalanche, the three other skiers caught in the snowslide managed to survive with injuries. Both the resort officials and the Sheriff’s Office have confirmed that the survivors are receiving appropriate medical attention.

The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, just above the GS gully area of KT-22, an expert-level lift known for its challenging slopes. Michael Gross, the vice president of mountain operations for Palisades Tahoe, revealed that two individuals were caught in the snowslide, while the other two were buried beneath the snow. Fortunately, one of the buried skiers was freed by her partner, while the other was rescued by fellow guests at the resort.

Describing the extent of the avalanche’s aftermath, the Sheriff’s Office reported that the debris covered an area 150 feet wide, 450 feet long, and 10 feet deep.

Details about Kenneth Kidd and Resort Closure

Palisades Tahoe’s Gross confirmed that Kidd was a guest at the resort and expressed his deep condolences to the family and friends of the deceased skier. Kidd was pronounced dead at the Tahoe Forest Hospital, while the three injured individuals, fortunately, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were released after receiving treatment.

Following the tragic incident, Palisades Tahoe made the decision to close the entire mountain resort, including both the Palisades side and the Alpine Meadows side, for the rest of the day. The resort’s popular KT-22 lift had just opened for the season earlier that day, but the avalanche prompted its closure as well.

As of now, it remains uncertain when the resort will reopen. During a news conference held in the afternoon, law enforcement officials and representatives from Palisades Tahoe refrained from providing information regarding the potential reopening of the resort on Thursday. Visitors and ski enthusiasts are advised to stay updated through official channels for the latest news and announcements.

.