Gavin Newsom says son was in Tahoe during deadly avalanche, reveals ‘family friends’ among victims

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: California Gov Gavin Newsom said his son had recently been in the Lake Tahoe region during the same period as a deadly avalanche that killed multiple people, adding that some of the victims were longtime family friends.

Speaking to reporters, Newsom described the tragedy as deeply personal, noting that his son had just returned from the Tahoe area and “could have easily” been among those caught in the slide near Sugar Bowl.

Gavin Newsom calls the avalanche ‘devastating’

The governor said he has spent the past several days in close contact with local officials, including the sheriff overseeing the response.

“I’ve been learning more and more, back and forth with the sheriff, who’s been doing an amazing job,” Newsom said.

He also praised Officer Mercy's services and the mutual aid teams providing support in the aftermath. “A lot of support that inevitably will have to be focused on the victims and their families and friends.”

Authorities said the avalanche occurred in backcountry terrain near the Sugar Bowl ski resort, an area popular with experienced skiers from the Bay Area.

Officials have described it as one of the most devastating avalanches in the region’s history in terms of loss of life.

Family friends killed in avalanche

Newsom revealed on Thursday that some of his “family friends” were among the backcountry skiers killed in the deadly avalanche in the Lake Tahoe area.

“It turns out, a lot of mutual friends in Marin County — I’m just learning [that] some of my wife’s old family friends” were among the victims, Newsom said at an unrelated press conference.

“It’s just tragic, the most devastating avalanche in terms of loss of life we have ever experienced,” the governor said.

Of the 15 people caught in the avalanche, eight died, and one still-missing skier is presumed dead. Six people had been rescued.

Authorities on Thursday suspended search and rescue efforts due to hazardous weather conditions in the region, and the bodies remain on the snowbound mountain.

Nearly 100 first responders were involved in the search effort, Newsom said in a Wednesday X post.

Authorities have not released any details about the group outside of the fact that they were all between the ages of 30 and 55.

But by late Thursday, the identities of six women who died on the trip had emerged.

“People should be very mindful,” he said, calling on skiers and outdoor enthusiasts to ensure they are properly prepared and protected. “Make sure your family and friends are protected.”