Lake Tahoe Birthday Boat Trip Ends in Tragedy as Sudden Storm Claims Eight Lives
A birthday celebration on Lake Tahoe took a tragic turn when a sudden storm capsized a boat carrying ten people, resulting in eight deaths. Among the victims was 37-year-old DoorDash executive Joshua Antony Pickles, along with his parents and several friends from California and New York. The group had been enjoying a day on the lake near D.L. Bliss State Park aboard a 27-foot vessel when powerful winds and waves struck unexpectedly. Two people survived, though their conditions have not been disclosed.
The storm hit fast and hard, with winds reaching 30 knots and waves as high as ten feet. Emergency crews, including the U.S. Coast Guard and state park officials, launched an extensive rescue operation after receiving distress calls around 5 p.m. A nearby boat captain captured dramatic footage of the worsening weather just before the accident. Over the following days, all eight bodies were recovered in what has become one of the lake’s deadliest incidents in years.
Loved ones are mourning the loss. Pickles’ wife, who remained on shore with their baby daughter, expressed deep sorrow. DoorDash leaders shared tributes highlighting Pickles’ leadership and kindness. Other victims, including retired plumber Timothy O’Leary and devoted father Stephen Lindsay, were remembered for their warmth and generosity. Local authorities extended sympathies and thanked all responders for their dedicated efforts.
This tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictability of nature. Just weeks earlier, another fatal water accident occurred in Texas, where 18-year-old Ava Moore was killed by a jet ski while kayaking. These heartbreaking events highlight the importance of safety and awareness when enjoying outdoor activities, even during moments of celebration.
DoorDash executive, his parents among 8 dead when sudden storm capsized Tahoe boat
The other boaters who died were all friends or relatives of Josh Pickles, the DoorDash executive. They were gathered in Tahoe to celebrate his mother’s 71st birthday, a family spokesperson said. His mom, Paula Bozinovich, also died in the incident.
There were 10 people aboard the 27-foot powerboat near D.L. Bliss State Park in southwest Lake Tahoe when a powerful thunderstorm rolled in Saturday afternoon, rapidly worsening conditions on the lake. Winds went from 5-10 mph to 35-45 mph in a matter of minutes, officials and locals said. The temperature dropped almost 20 degrees into the upper 30s and waves grew to 7- to 10-foot chops.
At some point, Josh Pickles’ boat capsized — as did others on the lake that afternoon. The Coast Guard and El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office responded to the incident around 3 p.m. Saturday, after someone had reported 10 people in the water, which had become dangerously cold and choppy.
Officials were able to rescue two people from the water, who officials confirmed this week were both wearing personal flotation devices, or life jackets, according to the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, which assisted in the search and rescue mission. The agency did not share information about whether the other eight passengers had them on as well.
Six boaters were found dead Saturday near the water’s surface, the sheriff’s office said, and over the next two days, search and rescue teams found the bodies of the last two occupants, bringing the death toll to eight. The two bodies were found at a depth of just over 300 feet.
On Tuesday, officials identified the victims as five Californians and three New Yorkers: Josh Pickles of San Francisco, and his parents, Bozinovich and Terry Pickles, 73, both of Redwood City; Josh Pickles’ uncle, Peter Bayes, 72, of Lincoln; and other close friends of the family, 71-year-old Timothy O’Leary of Auburn, 66-year-old Theresa Giullari and 69-year-old James Guck, both of Honeoye, N.Y., and 63-year-old Stephen Lindsay of Springwater, N.Y.
“We are devastated by this tragedy,” Jordan Sugar-Carlsgaard, the widow of Josh Pickles, wrote in a statement. “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.”
Sugar-Carlsgaard and her husband had recently welcomed a baby together. Neither the 7-month-old baby nor Sugar-Carlsgaard were aboard the boat Saturday.
Sam Singer, a spokesperson for the family, said that Josh and Terry Pickles owned the boat that capsized, which they purchased last year. This was only their third time taking the boat out on the water, Singer said.
Josh Pickles and his wife had a home in the San Francisco Bay Area and in Tahoe, Singer said.
Ravi Inukonda, the chief financial officer at DoorDash, said the company was devastated by Josh Pickles’ death.
“Josh loved his team and was an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” Inukonda said in a statement. “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.”
Josh Pickles’ role at the company had been the head of global strategic sourcing and procurement.
“Our thoughts and love are with his wife, his daughter, his family, and all who were close to him,” Inukonda said. “We are working to support them through this incredibly difficult time.”
A spokesperson for the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, which is leading the investigation into the boating accident, said it was “too early in the investigation” to comment on the use of life vests. The spokesperson also declined to comment on the current status of the victims who survived and said no cause of death has been confirmed.
The lake’s water temperature on Saturday remained below 60 degrees, according to the Tahoe Environmental Research Center at UC Davis. Officials warn that water below 70 degrees is cold enough to cause hypothermia if a person is exposed to such conditions for a long period of time.Grace Toohey is a reporter at the Los Angeles Times covering breaking news for the Fast Break Desk. Before joining the newsroom in 2022, she covered criminal justice issues at the Orlando Sentinel and the Advocate in Baton Rouge. Toohey is a Maryland native and proud Terp.