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21-Year-Old Skier Found Deceased at Northstar Resort

Authorities investigate circumstances after extensive search finds missing Fremont ski instructor dead at resort.

February 20, 2026

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This missing person poster was shared on February 18 by the San Jose State University Ski and Snowboard Club on Instagram.

This missing person poster was shared on February 18 by the San Jose State University Ski and Snowboard Club on Instagram.

TAHOE — Placer County authorities confirmed on February 19 that search teams located the body of a missing skier at Northstar California Resort in Truckee. Crews discovered Colin Kang deceased around 9 AM after an extensive overnight effort that began earlier in the day.

Officials identified Kang as a 21-year-old resident of Fremont. Kang worked as a ski instructor at Northstar California Resort and at nearby Palisades Tahoe, though Kang remained off duty during the events in question. Kang attended San Jose State University as a senior and graduated from Mission San Jose High School in Fremont.

Kang was last seen around noon on Tuesday, February 17, near the Martis Camp Express lift at the resort. Deputies received a report of a possible missing person around 11 PM on Wednesday, February 18. Investigators located Kang’s vehicle in the Northstar parking lot and determined Kang had gone skiing without returning as expected. Authorities noted Kang’s phone had died prior to the missing person report.

A coordinated search effort began early Thursday morning under the direction of the Placer County Office of Emergency Management. The operation involved 15 skiers from the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team, a snowcat, two snowmobilers, and members of the Northstar Ski Patrol. Search crews located Kang deceased around 9 AM Thursday on the Sugar Pine Glade trail, a black diamond run designated for expert skiers.

The cause of Kang’s death remains under investigation by authorities. No additional information regarding specific circumstances or injuries has been released. The Placer County Sheriff’s Office extended condolences to Kang’s family and friends during an incredibly difficult time.

Northstar California Resort officials confirmed Kang’s status as an off-duty team member in a statement to the Sacramento Bee. “We are heartbroken by this loss,” said Tara Schoedinger, the resort’s general manager. “Our deepest sympathies are with his family and loved ones, and with the team members who had the privilege of working alongside him.”

Kang’s death marks the third reported fatality involving skiers at Northstar California Resort during February. On February 6, Nicholas Kenworthy, 26, of Los Angeles, died following an incident on the Martis Trail, an advanced run. Nine days later, on February 15, Stuart McLaughlin, 53, of Hillsborough, succumbed to injuries after a collision with another skier on the Polaris trail, another black diamond slope. The Placer County Sheriff’s Office and resort representatives issued separate statements of sympathy for each case.

Recent heavy snowfall in the Sierra Nevada has increased avalanche risks across the region. Authorities have not associated Kang’s case with any avalanche activity. A separate avalanche near Castle Peak earlier in the week involved backcountry skiers and resulted in multiple fatalities unrelated to the resort incident.

Ski resorts such as Northstar California maintain safety protocols that include regular patrols and clear signage indicating trail difficulties. The Placer County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate all circumstances surrounding Kang’s death.

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