In Loving Memory of Colin Kang

In Loving Memory of Colin Kang

The mountain community is grieving the heartbreaking loss of 21-year-old Colin Kang, a talented young skier whose life was tragically cut short in Truckee, California.

According to the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, Colin was reported missing before being found deceased at Northstar California Resort. Authorities confirmed that search efforts were launched after a possible missing person report was received around 11 p.m. Wednesday. His vehicle was later located in a parking lot at the resort.

Approximately 15 members of the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team assisted in the search that ultimately led to the discovery of Colin’s body. Officials have not released details regarding the cause of death, and the circumstances remain under investigation.

Colin Kang, of Fremont, was more than a name in a headline. He was a recent graduate of San Jose State University, where he had built lasting friendships and a strong connection within the skiing and snowboarding community. The university expressed deep sorrow upon learning of his passing, noting the profound impact he had on those around him.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Colin attended SJSU and worked as a ski instructor at Palisades Tahoe. Teaching others to navigate the slopes reflected not only his skill, but also his patience, leadership, and passion for the sport. Friends describe him as adventurous, driven, and always eager to share his love of skiing with others.

The San Jose State University Ski & Snowboard Club shared on Instagram that Colin had gone skiing at Northstar around noon Tuesday and did not return to his car. As concern grew, so did the urgency to find him. The outcome has left classmates, instructors, and fellow skiers in shock.

Colin’s passing marks the third reported death at the resort this month, deepening the sense of sorrow within the broader mountain community. For many, the slopes are a place of freedom, joy, and connection with nature — a place where Colin clearly felt at home.

At just 21 years old, Colin had his whole life ahead of him. He was pursuing his passions, building his career, and shaping a future filled with promise. Those who knew him remember his dedication, his quiet determination, and the warmth he brought to friendships and mentorship alike.

As family, friends, and the university community mourn, they also celebrate the life he lived — one defined by adventure, ambition, and a love for the mountains. Tributes continue to pour in from classmates and fellow skiers who recall his kindness, encouragement, and steady presence both on and off the slopes.

During this difficult time, thoughts remain with Colin’s family and loved ones as they navigate an unimaginable loss. May his memory live on in the snowy peaks he cherished, in the students he taught, and in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Rest in peace, Colin Kang.