LARKSPUR, Calif. — We’re learning more about the victims of the tragic Castle Rock — northwest of Lake Tahoe — ski trip, including a mother from Larkspur whose friends say was devoted to her family, career and boutique wine business.
“She just said, ‘Paul, I have some horrible news for you,”‘ said Paul Laland.
Laland from Mill Valley in the North Bay still remembers the call he got telling him about the passing of Danielle Keatley, one of six friends killed in the avalanche near Lake Tahoe.
“I mean, it’s a sucker punch when I got the message,” he added.
Laland is a longtime friend, colleague and mentor to Keatley, who worked in the Biotech field in the Bay Area.
“In my book, she is a rockstar, a silent rockstar, shy but charismatic. Her laughter, I can hear it. She had a great sense of humor,” said Laland.
Six women killed in the Castle Peak avalanche were among a group of eight close friends and experienced backcountry skiers on a trip together, their families said in a statement Thursday.
Laland described his friend as a devoted wife and mom to her two young kids — he met Keatley for coffee just days ago.
“As per usual, we talked about the mountains, which she absolutely loved. I’ve skied with her at Palisades. She kicked my butt, a great skier,” Laland said.
Keatley was VP of investor relations and corporate communications at Structure Therapeutics in San Francisco. CEO Ray Stevens posted a message on the company’s website:
“Her spirit and passion inspired me and the many Structure colleagues who spent time with her each day.”
In 2016, Keatley and her husband, Dave, founded Keatley Wines, a boutique producer in Healdsburg. According to their website, the venture was a way to learn about California’s potential to craft the next generation of great wines.
“Oh, I’m just so sorry,” said Kathy Cummins, the Keatley’s neighbor. “I probably know her kids more. I see them, people walk by all the time.”
In a statement, Larkspur’s Mayor, Stephanie Andre, told our affiliate in the Bay Area:
“The Larkspur community is mourning the loss of Danielle Keatley. Danielle was a radiant, beautiful soul. She was warm, kind and exuded a special quality that drew people to her. We are heartbroken for Danielle’s family and friends.”
“I want to provide condolences to her family, just can’t imagine what they’re going through and the other victims too,” Laland said.
The victims’ families are requesting privacy.
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