California Avalanche Kills 9 Skiers in Nevada County

Authorities have confirmed that the bodies of all nine people who died in a deadly avalanche in California have now been recovered.

The avalanche struck around 11:30 a.m. local time on Tuesday in the Castle Peak area of Nevada County. The victims were part of a group of 15 people returning to the trailhead after completing a three-day guided ski trip when the snow collapsed.

Officials said four bodies were recovered on Friday, while the remaining five were found on Saturday morning. All nine victims were airlifted by helicopter from the remote mountainous area.

Search and rescue teams worked for several hours in severe blizzard conditions on Tuesday evening to locate survivors. Six members of the group survived the avalanche and were rescued the same day.

Eight skiers were confirmed dead on Wednesday. The ninth person was initially reported missing and presumed dead before being officially recovered on Saturday.

Authorities have not released further details as the investigation continues.