Two days before a deadly avalanche in the Sierra Nevada mountains killed nine skiers and guides, survivor Anton Auzans was reading about the historic Donner-Reed party tragedy, which occurred in the same region nearly two centuries prior. Auzans, a 37-year-old electrician, was part of a group of 11 skiers and four experts from Blackbird Mountain Guides near Frog Lake when he discussed the 1846 disaster, where settlers were trapped by snow and resorted to cannibalism. On Tuesday, February 17, around 11:30 a.m. local time, an avalanche struck, killing six skiers and three guides. Rescue efforts were delayed by dangerous weather, with bodies recovered on February 20 and 21. Auzans managed to unbury himself and helped rescue three people before the survivors made the difficult decision to cease their search. Investigations into potential criminal negligence are underway.