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Tragic Avalanche Claims Life of Auto Dealer Father

1/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Chris Thomason, a 42-year-old father of three and co-owner of the Thomason Auto Group, which includes three dealerships, died in a California avalanche near Castle Peak on January 5.
He was pulled from the snow around 2:19 p.m. and CPR was performed by an off-duty medic, but it was too late.
The Sierra Avalanche Center warned that avalanche hazards persist and urged caution in wind-blown snow.
Kerri Kurtz, Thomason's wife, expressed heartbreak on social media.

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Story summary

Chris Thomason, a 42-year-old father of three and co-owner of the Thomason Auto Group, which includes three dealerships, died in a California avalanche near Castle Peak on January 5.
He was pulled from the snow around 2:19 p.m. and CPR was performed by an off-duty medic, but it was too late.
The Sierra Avalanche Center warned that avalanche hazards persist and urged caution in wind-blown snow.
Kerri Kurtz, Thomason's wife, expressed heartbreak on social media.