|
After a tragic avalanche claimed 9 lives, LCC team brings K-9 comfort and a heart to care in California’s Sierra Nevadas.  The snowfall was an adventurer’s dream — several feet of light, fluffy powder dumped after a late winter storm in the Sierra Nevadas near the California border. Good for skiing and exploring. Also ripe for danger. Sadly, a group of backpackers traversing the backcountry around Castle Peak were trapped in a sudden avalanche last week and perished, shocking the nearby mountain town of Truckee and devastating the country as the accident made national news. Six of the victims were women reveling in nature during a moms’ getaway weekend. Three were trained guides leading them. Nine people confirmed lost — the deadliest avalanche in modern California history. In response, a ministry team of Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion personnel deployed to the scene to be present for two candlelight vigils, pray with those mourning, and uplift first responders helping a community in shock.  All nine victims were doing what they loved to do. Experiencing God’s creation. Challenging their physical limits. Bonding together. According to reports, they wore emergency beacons and had packed supplies in case of danger. Yet, none was a match for the fresh layers of snow that blanketed the region. In Truckee, the town planned a vigil in the community square near a statue of an eagle. It was the common space to meet, grieve, and just be together. LCC staff member James Casner, HMC Coordinator (First Lutheran – Yuba City, CA), brought nine hearts and crosses and set them up Sunday afternoon before the first remembrance event. Alongside, was Bobby Moore and Rahab Comfort Dog (St. Andrews – Stockton, CA) who drove up to Truckee after LCC was invited to serve in the comfort of Jesus by Rev. Dr. Michael Lange, president of the California-Nevada-Hawaii District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The tragedy was a reminder that the mountains that bring beauty, joy, and freedom also can be deadly and take lives. Yet, the town came together in a big way, signing the HMCs with words of hope and love and seeking solace in the golden fur of Rahab. Curious members of the media watched and interviewed the LCC team along with the townspeople. It wasn’t all sadness and grief. These strangers from the valley brought a sense of calm and peace. The next night, the LCC team set up the crosses and hearts inside a local church for a second vigil, talking with community members and city administrators. The HMCs will remain as the public is invited to visit the church for daily counseling and support. The LCC team also gifted a heart to the Truckee Police Department and the Regional Dispatch Center, both outfits having helped with the initial rescue call. LCC president/CEO Rev. Chris Singer called for a special appeal to continue the ministry’s outreach to Truckee and surrounding area. LCC thanks you for your support so we can be present with people during their darkest moments. LCC’s prayers are ongoing for Truckee and the Lake Tahoe region. Media coverage
New York Post https://nypost.com/2026/02/22/us-news/heartbreaking-vigil-for-lake-tahoe-avalanche-victims-as-friends-break-down-in-tears/ Reno Gazette Journal https://www.rgj.com/picture-gallery/news/2026/02/23/vigil-for-truckee-avalanche-victims/88819024007/ CBS News https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/truckee-mourns-castle-peak-avalanche-victims/ NBC Bay Area https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/community-mourns-victims-avalanche/4041150/ KOLO - ABC News 8 Reno https://www.kolotv.com/2026/02/24/castle-peak-avalanche-truckee-tahoe-community-gathers-an-interfaith-service-honoring-victims/ Comments are closed.
|
Categories
All
Archives
March 2026
|
RSS Feed
Location |
|