All eight victims who died after a boat capsized during a storm on Lake Tahoe have now been recovered and identified, according to the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office.
The 27-foot gold Chris-Craft boat was carrying 10 people Saturday afternoon when it overturned near D.L. Bliss State Park on the lake’s southwest shore.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the capsizing occurred as a sudden storm brought 8-foot waves and strong winds to the area. The storm lasted about two hours.
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office Hasty Team said in a Facebook post, “This past Saturday, a sudden and destructive storm blew over Lake Tahoe, causing mayhem and a large amount of property damage. Unfortunately, it also was the cause of multiple fatalities, as a boat carrying 10 passengers was capsized by the 8 foot waves and strong winds, throwing all 10 passengers into the water.”
Two of the passengers who were wearing personal flotation devices were rescued by emergency responders and transported to the hospital.
The remaining eight drowned. Six were found on the surface near the capsized boat and were recovered on Saturday.
On Sunday, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office responded to a request from the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office to assist in recovering the two remaining victims.
Washoe County’s Search and Rescue Hasty Team, the Specialized Vehicle Unit aboard Marine 10, and the Marine 9 crew conducted an underwater search using the team’s Outland 1000 Remotely Operated Vehicle.
The ROV is equipped with multiple cameras, lights, onboard sonar, and an articulating claw and can dive to depths up to 2,000 feet.
According to the post, by late Sunday afternoon, one victim was located and recovered at a depth of just over 300 feet. The final victim was recovered Monday afternoon at a similar depth.
The victims were identified as:
- Paula Bozinovich, 71, of Redwood City, California
- Terry Pickles, 73, of Redwood City, California
- Joshua Antony Pickles, 37, of San Francisco
- Peter Bayes, 72, of Lincoln, California
- Timothy O’Leary, 71, of Auburn
- Theresa Giullari, 66, of Honeoye, New York
- James Guck, 69, of Honeoye, New York
- Stephen Lindsay, 63, of Springwater, New York
Four of the victims were members of one Northern California family. Joshua Pickles, his parents Terry Pickles and Paula Bozinovich, and his uncle Peter Bayes were all killed.
“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,” said Jordan Sugar-Carlsgaard, widow of Joshua Pickles, in a statement. “Our hearts go out to those who tragically lost their lives and the two survivors of this unexpected and deadly storm on Lake Tahoe.”
Joshua Pickles was DoorDash’s global head of strategic sourcing and procurement.
In a statement shared with CBS News, DoorDash chief financial officer Ravi Inukonda 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.”
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office extended its condolences and appreciation to all involved in the recovery effort.
“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.”
Authorities have not said whether the boat was rented or privately owned. The condition of the two survivors has not been released.
Search and recovery efforts involved multiple agencies, including the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District.
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office wrote, “This incident is an unimaginable tragedy for the family and friends of the people involved, and the thoughts and prayers of everyone at the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office are with them.”
Classmates of the two survivors have put together a GoFundMe to raise funds for the duo, who are a mother and daughter. If you'd like to donate to help with living expenses, medical bills and funeral costs for those they've lost, you can do so on their GoFundMe page.
