Key Point Summary – Lake Tahoe Boating Disaster

• Sudden storm capsized boat on Lake Tahoe
• Eight people died, including a DoorDash executive
• Two survivors hospitalized with minor injuries
• Family gathered for a birthday celebration
• Winds reached 30 knots, swells up to eight feet
• Search teams recovered all bodies over two days
• Coast Guard urges better weather awareness

A joyful birthday party turned into a nightmare when a boat flipped on Lake Tahoe, killing eight people and sending two others to the hospital. The group had come together to celebrate a 71st birthday, but a sudden storm changed everything. What started as a peaceful outing quickly turned into horror.

The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office reported that the group had gathered for Paula Bozinovich’s birthday on Saturday, June 21. The 71-year-old, her husband, son, and five close friends never made it home.

Sudden Storm Turns Boat Ride Into Chaos

Those who died include Bozinovich, 71, and her husband Terry Pickles, 73, both from Redwood City, California. Their son, Joshua Antony Pickles, 37, worked as an executive at DoorDash. Also lost was Peter Bayes, 72, a close family member. All boarded a 27-foot gold Chris-Craft powerboat near D.L. Bliss State Park that morning.

They joined Timothy O’Leary, 71, from Auburn, California, and three friends from New York—Theresa Giullari, 66, James Guck, 69, and Stephen Lindsay, 63. The group began their day under clear skies and calm waters. No one expected what came next.

By 3 p.m., strong winds slammed into the lake. Gusts hit 30 knots. Waves rose as high as eight feet. Chaos erupted on the water.

Survivors Plucked From Frigid Waters

The violent swells toppled the boat. All ten people went into the freezing water. Only two wore life jackets. Rescuers pulled them out and rushed them to the hospital. The rest did not survive.

The U.S. Coast Guard later released a photo of the overturned boat. It floated upside down near the shoreline. The damage was unmistakable. The loss, devastating.

BM1 Justin Smith from Coast Guard Station Lake Tahoe issued a warning. “People often skip checking the weather. Life jackets save lives,” he emphasized.

First Responders Launch Search and Recovery

Emergency teams sprang into action. North Tahoe Fire, California State Parks, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, and the Coast Guard joined forces. Divers entered the icy water. Search dogs sniffed along the banks. Crews worked around the clock.

They recovered six bodies that same day. Divers found the remaining two over the next two days. The final recovery happened Monday.

Officials credited teamwork for the operation’s speed. “Our partners made this possible,” the sheriff’s office said.

Mourning A Tight-Knit Family

DoorDash confirmed that Josh Pickles had died. “He brought kindness and energy to our team,” the company shared in a statement.

Josh’s wife, Jordan Sugar-Carlsgaard, stayed home that day. She looked after their seven-month-old daughter. The couple, who married in 2023, both worked in San Francisco’s tech world. Jordan works for Airbnb.

In a heartbreaking message, Jordan said, “There’s no way to express this loss. A happy celebration turned into a nightmare.”

Public Demands Better Safety Rules

Experts say Lake Tahoe’s weather can shift rapidly. Many boaters don’t grasp how quickly conditions deteriorate. Smith from the Coast Guard repeated his advice: “Check warnings. Avoid boating when wind advisories are issued.”

On social media, the tragedy sparked debate. People asked why the boat went out at all. Others demanded stricter rules for lake safety during summer months.

Search Ends, Pain Lingers

Crews recovered the final body Monday afternoon. Divers described the task as one of the most emotional they’ve ever faced. “This was brutal,” one said.

Advanced search dogs from Wilderness Finder teams helped locate victims. Skilled divers navigated the lake’s depths with precision. Without this support, recovery might have taken much longer.

Final Warnings As Community Grieves

Officials issued new safety reminders. They urged boaters to create float plans, wear life jackets, and always monitor forecasts. Meanwhile, loved ones begin the long road to healing.

Paula Bozinovich’s birthday will never be forgotten. Her husband, son, and friends perished beside her. Joy turned to loss in minutes.

Now, the waters of Lake Tahoe hold a sorrowful memory. The town grieves. Boaters across the country are reminded how one sunny outing can turn deadly in a flash.