In a tragic turn of events, four family members from Northern California, who were gathered in celebration of a birthday, were among eight individuals who lost their lives when their boat capsized on Lake Tahoe amid a sudden thunderstorm over the weekend. This incident has become one of the deadliest boating accidents on the lake in recent years.
The family identified as victims include Josh Pickles, 37, residing in San Francisco, his parents, Terry Pickles, 73, and Paula Bozinovich, 71, of Redwood City, along with his uncle, Peter Bayes, 72, of Lincoln. These details were shared in a family-issued statement.
Expressing profound grief, Josh Pickles’ wife, Jordan Sugar-Carlsgaard, remarked on the tragic loss during what was supposed to be a joyous occasion. “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 in the statement released Tuesday.
The boat’s capsizing resulted in two people being rescued shortly afterward, but their identities and current conditions remained undisclosed by Tuesday. The family was marking Paula Bozinovich’s birthday on her son’s recently purchased boat, acquired approximately a year ago, according to family spokesperson, Sam Singer.
While Josh Pickles’ wife stayed home to care for their 7-month-old daughter, the couple, who married earlier in 2023, maintained careers in San Francisco’s tech sector, with Josh employed at DoorDash and Jordan at Airbnb. They split their time between residences in the Bay Area and Lake Tahoe, having used their boat only twice before.
Ravi Inukonda, Chief Financial Officer at DoorDash, expressed heartfelt condolences over Josh’s passing, noting his nearly seven-year tenure with the company. “Josh loved his team and was an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” Inukonda stated, extending thoughts to Josh’s family and loved ones.
The occurrence involved ten people aboard a 27-foot Chris-Craft vessel, which overturned near D.L. Bliss State Park located at the lake’s southwest corner as high waves arose amidst the storm, as per reports from U.S. Coast Guard officials. Singer remarked that the waves were significant enough to cause water intake on the boat, stalling its engine.
The deceased also included Timothy O’Leary, 71, from Auburn, California; Theresa Giullari, 66 and James Guck, 69, both from Honeyoye, New York; and Stephen Lindsay, 63, of Springwater, New York, according to the coroner’s office confirmation on Tuesday.
Meteorologist Matthew Chyba with the National Weather Service office in Reno, Nevada, indicated that although rain was anticipated, the forecasters were unprepared for the storm’s intensity that affected the lake’s southern part at around 3 p.m. The thunderstorm brought winds exceeding 35 mph, with waves rising over 8 feet.
Chyba noted the unexpected strength of the storm, attributing possible factors to the significantly lower than average temperatures which might have contributed to unstable air conditions.
While Lake Tahoe sees annual drowning and accidental deaths, incidents with such a high number of casualties are uncommon, stated South Lake Tahoe Police Lt. Scott Crivelli. Averaging about six deaths each summer, a noted rise to 15 fatalities occurred in 2021. Lt. Crivelli, citing his 16-year tenure, mentioned that recalling an occurrence where eight lives were lost at once is exceptional.