TRUCKEE, Calif. — A large crowd gathered Sunday night in Truckee, California, to remember the nine people who died in Tuesday’s avalanche at Castle Peak. Emotions ran high as people expressed their grief.

Voices were lifted in honor of the nine lives lost. The community in Truckee, a town known for its love of recreation, was rocked by the nearby tragedy.

“Tonight we focus our hearts on those who are hurting most,” said Courtney Henderson, Vice Mayor of Truckee. “Held by the hundreds of neighbors who showed up tonight. Because that is simply what we do. Because that is who we are.”

Six friends who shared adventures in skiing and motherhood, and three Blackbird Mountain Guides, were killed in the deadliest avalanche on record in California.

“The families carrying those losses bear a weight that is unbearable. What we know is that, however that grief is held tonight, it will not be held alone,” said Henderson.

The nine victims, several of whom were from the Bay Area, were among a group of 15 trapped in the avalanche. Six others survived.

Blackbird Mountain Guides released a new statement late Sunday night, mourning the three employees who died and reading in part: “We also mourn the guests who lost their lives; individuals who shared a love of the outdoors and were part of this close-knit mountain community. We are heartbroken with everyone who is grieving during this profoundly difficult time.”

Dangerous weather conditions delayed the search until Friday, when crews were finally able to recover all nine bodies and bring them home.