Truckee community mourns avalanche victims at candlelight vigil
By Andres Valle
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TRUCKEE, California (KCRA) — The town of Truckee gathered for a candlelight vigil to honor the nine backcountry skiers who died in an avalanche in Nevada County.
Tears streamed over a candle-lit plaza in downtown Truckee as hundreds came together on Sunday evening.
“The families carrying those losses bear a weight that is unbearable,” said Courtney Henderson, Truckee’s vice mayor.
The vigil was held in front of the eagle statue, drawing a large crowd.
Mercie Galvin, an attendee, said, “Just hearing the helicopters the last couple of days with, you know, recovery, it’s just a lot of noise that breaks your heart.”
“It’s just it’s so sad. And we’re really sorry for the families and the survivors. It’s just really tragic,” said Linda Williams.
The emotional impact was palpable, as one attendee noted, “The energy levels are just not the same.”
Many wrote messages over nine hearts, each representing a victim.
“I’m sure that they are leaving an amazing legacy behind for their children and their husbands, and all the rest of their friends. It’s just really tough,” said Sue Ireland.
The vigil included a local church choir singing “Amazing Grace” and a moment of silence.
Through community support, Truckee is proving that no one should grieve alone.
“Grief has a way of making us feel very small and very isolated. My deepest hope for tonight is that you feel the opposite,” said Henderson.
Dozens left candles and flowers at the memorial, and the vigil also paid respects to other skiers killed at nearby resorts, as well as the attack on the Tahoe Titans.
As we’ve reported, 15 people have died on the Tahoe area slopes this year. That includes five unrelated deaths at ski resorts and a January avalanche in the Castle Peak area.
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