Tragedy at Lake Tahoe: Bay Area Family Among Eight Killed in Deadly Boating Accident Amid Sudden Storm

LAKE TAHOE, CA — A devastating boating accident at Lake Tahoe has claimed the lives of eight people, including a family from the Bay Area, authorities confirmed on Monday. The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Coroner’s Division identified all the victims as rescue and recovery efforts concluded following the capsizing of a luxury powerboat in rapidly deteriorating weather conditions.

Among those lost were Josh Pickles, 37, an executive with San Francisco-based DoorDash, and his parents, Terry Pickles, 73, and Paula Bozinovich, 71, from Redwood City. The trio was aboard a 27-foot Chris-Craft powerboat when it capsized during a fierce thunderstorm that swept through the Tahoe area Saturday evening.

Remembering Josh Pickles: A Beloved Leader and Family Man

Josh Pickles was the Global Head of Strategic Sourcing and Procurement for DoorDash’s Finance team, where he worked for nearly seven years. Prior to joining DoorDash, Pickles held key positions at Salesforce and Cisco Systems. His colleagues at DoorDash described him as a beloved teammate and inspiring leader.

In a heartfelt statement, DoorDash said:
“We are heartbroken by the tragic accident that took the life of our beloved colleague, Josh Pickles. Josh loved his team and was an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. 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. Our thoughts and love are with his wife, his daughter, his family, and all who were close to him. We are working to support them through this incredibly difficult time.”

Friends and family remember Josh as a devoted husband and father, who treasured time spent with loved ones, especially outdoor adventures like boating. His untimely passing has sent shockwaves through the local tech community and beyond.

The Victims: A Tragic Gathering Turned Nightmare

The group of ten had gathered at Lake Tahoe to celebrate a birthday, according to sources close to the victims. Alongside the Pickles family, two other Californians lost their lives in the accident: 72-year-old Peter Bayes from Lincoln and 71-year-old Timothy O’Leary from Auburn.

Three victims were from New York: Theresa Giullari, 66, and James Guck, 69, both from Honeoye, along with 63-year-old Stephen Lindsay from Springwater.

Two people onboard survived the capsizing, but their conditions remain undisclosed by authorities.

The Storm: A Sudden, Deadly Surge

According to the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, a powerful thunderstorm with intense winds unexpectedly struck the Tahoe region Saturday afternoon, whipping up high waves in a very short period. The weather report had predicted stormy conditions, but many locals and visitors alike were caught off guard by the severity and rapid onset.

At approximately 5 p.m., emergency dispatchers received 911 calls reporting the capsizing of the boat on the lake. Witnesses described towering waves reaching eight to ten feet that overwhelmed the vessel.

The Chris-Craft powerboat, a luxury 27-foot model, was reportedly carrying ten people when the storm hit. The rapid escalation of the storm’s intensity made it difficult for the boaters to safely navigate the treacherous waters.

Rescue and Recovery Efforts

Local authorities, including the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office and various emergency response teams, rushed to the scene. Search and rescue operations were hampered by the storm’s aftermath, but eventually, all victims were recovered.

In a statement, the sheriff’s office expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and gratitude to all agencies involved in the response.

“The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest heartfelt condolences to the families of those who were lost and all those who have been affected by this tragic event,” the statement read.

This fatal incident is the deadliest boating accident in California since 2019, a sobering reminder of the unpredictability and danger posed by sudden weather changes on the water.

Community Reaction and Support

News of the tragedy has rocked both the Lake Tahoe area and the Bay Area communities. Tributes have poured in for Josh Pickles and the other victims on social media, with many recalling their kindness, achievements, and the joy they brought to those around them.

Several local organizations and DoorDash have announced plans to support the families affected by this tragedy during this heartbreaking time.

Safety Concerns and Weather Awareness

Experts have emphasized the importance of vigilant weather monitoring when boating on large lakes, especially in mountainous regions like Tahoe where weather conditions can shift rapidly.

Meteorologists noted that Saturday’s storm was particularly intense due to a combination of high winds and atmospheric instability, creating unusually high and dangerous waves in a short time.

Boaters are urged to check detailed weather forecasts and lake conditions before venturing out and to take immediate shelter if storms approach.

Remembering Those Lost

As communities mourn the loss of these eight individuals, the tragedy serves as a reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of safety on the water.

For the Pickles family, Josh’s colleagues, and all those touched by this catastrophe, healing will be a long and difficult journey.

For ongoing coverage of the Lake Tahoe boating accident and related safety updates, stay tuned to ABC7 News.