Sudden Storm Turns Boating Trip Tragic on Lake Tahoe
Eight individuals lost their lives after a boat carrying ten people capsized on Lake Tahoe during a sudden thunderstorm over the weekend. Among the victims was Josh Pickles, a 37-year-old San Francisco-based DoorDash executive.
Pickles was accompanied by his parents, Terry Pickles, 73, and Paula Bozinovich, 71, of Redwood City, along with his uncle, Peter Bayes, 72, of Lincoln. All four perished in the accident, according to a statement issued by the family.
“This was supposed to be a joyful outing on the lake,” said Pickles’ widow, Jordan Sugar-Carlsgaard. “Our hearts are broken for everyone affected, including the survivors.”
27-Foot Boat Capsized During Unexpected Thunderstorm
The group was aboard a 27-foot Chris-Craft motorboat near DL Bliss State Park on Lake Tahoe’s southwestern edge when the vessel flipped on Saturday afternoon. The U.S. Coast Guard reported that intense weather produced winds exceeding 35 mph and waves as high as 8 feet.
Two individuals were rescued at the scene, though their identities and current conditions have not been released.
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that six bodies were recovered on Saturday, a seventh on Sunday, and the final victim on Monday.
Additional Victims Identified
Other individuals who died in the incident include:
- Timothy O’Leary, 71, of Auburn, California
- Theresa Giullari, 66, of Honeoye, New York
- James Guck, 69, of Honeoye, New York
- Stephen Lindsay, 63, of Springwater, New York
The coroner’s office released these names following identification and notification of next of kin.
Meteorologists Surprised by Storm’s Strength
Meteorologist Matthew Chyba from the National Weather Service in Reno said the storm was more severe than predicted. Although rainfall was anticipated, the intensity and wind speeds were not.
“Conditions were unusually unstable, and the temperature was well below normal for this time of year,” Chyba explained.
Rare Boating Fatalities for the Lake
While Lake Tahoe has seen accidental drownings in past summers, multi-fatality boating accidents are uncommon. According to South Lake Tahoe police, the lake averages six deaths each summer. The deadliest year on record was 2021, with 15 fatalities.
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