In a heartbreaking tragedy, eight individuals lost their lives after a boat capsized on Lake Tahoe during a sudden storm. Among the deceased was Josh Pickles, a 37-year-old DoorDash executive and new father. The tragedy unfolded while Pickles and his family were gathered to celebrate his mother, Paula Bozinovich’s, 71st birthday.
The ill-fated excursion took place on Saturday afternoon near D.L. Bliss State Park when a fierce thunderstorm unexpectedly swept across the area. According to officials and local witnesses, wind speeds increased dramatically from 5-10 mph to between 35 and 45 mph almost instantaneously. As the weather worsened, temperatures plummeted nearly 20 degrees into the upper 30s, and waves rose to 7-10 feet in height.
With ten people aboard the 27-foot powerboat, the conditions quickly became perilous. Reports indicated that multiple vessels capsized that day as the storm intensified. By 3 p.m. on Saturday, rescue operations conducted by the Coast Guard and El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office had commenced after receiving reports of ten individuals in the frigid, turbulent waters.
Initially, emergency responders rescued two individuals who were taken to a hospital for treatment, yet six others were sadly confirmed dead. Over the following days, search and rescue teams would locate the bodies of the remaining two victims, bringing the final death toll to eight.
On Tuesday, authorities released the names of the victims. The group included five Californians and three New Yorkers, with Josh Pickles and his parents, Paula Bozinovich and Terry Pickles, age 73, of Redwood City, as part of the casualties. Other victims included Pickles’ uncle, Peter Bayes, age 72, from Lincoln, along with family friends Timothy O’Leary, age 71, of Auburn, and Theresa Giullari, age 66, and James Guck, age 69, both from Honeoye, N.Y. Stephen Lindsay, age 63, rounded out the group from Springwater, N.Y.
In her statement, Jordan Sugar-Carlsgaard, widow of Josh Pickles, expressed her deep sorrow over the incident. “We are devastated by this tragedy. No words can express the pain and anguish we feel knowing their lives were lost during what was meant to be a joyful time on the lake. Our hearts go out to those who tragically lost their lives and the two survivors of this unexpected and deadly storm on Lake Tahoe,” she said.
It is worth noting that neither Sugar-Carlsgaard nor the couple’s 7-month-old baby was aboard the boat during the incident. The boat, which was owned by Josh and Terry Pickles, had been purchased just a year prior, and this outing marked only the third time they had taken it out on the water.
Ravi Inukonda, the chief financial officer at DoorDash, also expressed condolences following the loss of Josh Pickles. “Josh loved his team and was an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” Inukonda stated. “During his nearly seven years at DoorDash, he brought a contagious spirit that lifted those around him. The loss of Josh is immeasurable. We miss him deeply and will carry his memory with us always.”
Inukonda also extended thoughts and support to Josh Pickles’ wife, daughter, and extended family during this difficult time. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the capsizing is ongoing, and officials have yet to confirm the use of life vests among the victims. Meanwhile, the status of the survivors remains undisclosed, as authorities navigate through the early stages of a complex investigation.
image source from：latimes
