The Grit of Truckee: Finding Resilience After Tragedy

The past few weeks have been incredibly heavy for our Truckee-Tahoe community.

A post from April Cole, shared by our friend Larissa, founder of Truckee Love, really encompassed what we’re all feeling.

"It’s no secret that I love where I live. The hashtag #truckeelove is more than a brand, it’s an embodiment of the special kind of pride that us Truckee locals feel.

To live in Truckee is not easy. It’s physically demanding to move snow, it’s expensive, and the Sierra Nevada weather can often be limiting or isolating. People who live in Truckee have a unique mix of passion and grit. We live here because we love it. And we not only recognize that special mix within our fellow locals/neighbors- we respect it, heck we revere it. This feeling creates a sense of community that is as strong and passionate as the individuals who live here.

I share this because the last few weeks, the Truckee community has faced tragedy after tragedy.

Just a few weeks ago, a mom posted into a mom’s group a smiling photo of her son and his baseball teammates fundraising outside of the local grocery store. Because that’s what the moms group is there for- to support the moms and the kids. A few hours after that posting, those boys experienced a violent attack with a man intentionally driving into their fundraising table. The boys and their moms all survived, thank god. Yet the bubble of our safe neighborhood felt like it popped. Those boys and their moms were our friends, our neighbors and this senseless attack was both terrifying and heartbreaking.

A week later, an attempted shooting occurred at another grocery store. The perpetrator, a local 15 year old boy. Gun violence is nearly unheard of in Truckee, and to have this happen from a freshman aged boy made it that much more shocking.

And yesterday, there was a devastating avalanche that took the lives of 9 people. 9 people who were leaving a backcountry trip from one of our favorite local spots. There’s discourse online with should they or shouldn’t they have been moving at that time- I’ll tell you this, that’s not what matters now, what matters is that 9 families lost loved ones. 6 others who were with them, lost their friends, family, coworkers. Presently, local authorities are working in dangerous conditions in a recovery effort.

Each of these events feels personal to every single local in Truckee. We see our kids in each of those kids hurt, we see ourselves as snow adventurers- these are our friends, our family, neighbors, our coworkers. There is likely no more than one degree of separation between us.

I share this because - one, I just need to get these feeling out and in writing. But two- because our community needs some love, we need some support and if you’re the praying type, some prayers. And if you’re looking at the weather forecast and you see a blue bird day on Friday and you decide to come up here to enjoy our beautiful home, please come here with care. Be extra kind and patient to all that you meet. We need some gentleness and some generosity right now.

And to all my Truckee neighbors- I don’t know what to say other than I know that -together- we can get through this. Hugs."

Truckee isn’t just a backdrop for mountain views and powder days. Like April said, It’s a community built on grit, resilience, and a deep respect for one another and the beautiful nature all around us. Living here isn’t always easy. Winters are hard work. The cost of living is high. The storms can isolate us. But the people who choose this community choose it intentionally. We show up for this place and for each other.

That’s what makes the past few weeks especially heavy.

Our community has experienced a series of tragedies that have shaken us deeply. Families have been impacted. Young lives were put at risk. Loved ones were lost in the mountains we cherish. First responders have worked in dangerous conditions to serve and protect our neighbors.

In a community like ours, there is rarely more than one degree of separation between any of us. These aren’t distant headlines, they’re personal. Seeing these tragedies on national news and friends and loved ones reaching out feels surreal.

Right now, what matters most is compassion. For the families grieving. For the young people processing fear and confusion. For the first responders. For the businesses and schools navigating heavy days. For each other.

How We Can Show Up

If you’re looking for a way to support:

Donate to verified local relief funds supporting affected families
- Sugar Bowl Academy https://www.sbacademy.org/give
- Tahoe Nordic SAR https://www.tahoenordicsar.org/
- The Central Sierra Snow Lab Fund https://give.berkeley.edu/fund/FH5846000
- GoFundMe - Tahoe Titans https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-tahoe-titans-after-todays-tragedy
- Sierra Community House https://sierracommunityhouse.org/
- Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation https://www.ttcf.net/
Support local businesses during this time
- Business Directory | Truckee Chamber
Check in on neighbors and friends
Keep up to date and safe
- Sierra Avalanche Center https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/
- Caltrans https://roads.dot.ca.gov/
Offer childcare, meals, or simple presence to families who may need it
If you’re visiting, please come with extra patience, kindness, and respect