DoorDash executive, his parents among 8 victims identified in deadly Lake Tahoe boat accident
LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — A birthday celebration on Lake Tahoe turned into a scene of tragedy this past weekend as a sudden and violent storm capsized a powerboat, claiming the lives of eight people, including a San Francisco-based DoorDash executive and his parents. Two other individuals on the boat survived.
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday identified the victims of the deadly June 21 accident. Among them were Joshua Pickles, 37, the Global Head of Strategic Sourcing and Procurement for DoorDash; his father, Terry Pickles, 73; and his mother, Paula Bozinovich, 71, of Redwood City. The group was reportedly on the lake celebrating Bozinovich’s birthday.
The other victims were identified as Peter Bayes, 72, of Lincoln; Timothy O’Leary, 71, of Auburn; Theresa Giullari, 66, and James Guck, 69, both of Honeoye, New York; and Stephen Lindsay, 63, of Springwater, New York.
The tragic incident occurred on Saturday afternoon near D.L. Bliss State Park when a severe storm unexpectedly swept across the lake, generating winds of up to 45 mph and waves as high as eight feet. The 27-foot Chris-Craft boat was overcome by the turbulent conditions and capsized.
“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, Joshua Pickles’ wife, in a statement released through a family spokesperson. “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 the couple’s 7-month-old daughter were not on the boat at the time of the accident.
DoorDash expressed its sorrow over the loss of a valued team member. “We are heartbroken by the tragic accident that took the life of our beloved colleague, Josh Pickles,” said Ravi Inukonda, DoorDash’s Chief Financial Officer, in a statement. “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.”
The U.S. Coast Guard and local law enforcement agencies responded to reports of the capsized vessel and people in the water. An extensive search and rescue operation was launched, which transitioned into a recovery effort. The bodies of the final two missing individuals were recovered on Sunday and Monday. The two survivors were transported to a local hospital; their conditions have not been released.
Local officials described the storm as a “freak” event for the Sierra Nevada. “I have never seen anything like this in Lake Tahoe,” said Coop Cooper, manager of the nearby Camp Richardson marina, who noted the weather changed from sunny to stormy within 45 minutes.
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office has extended its “deepest heartfelt condolences to the families of those who were lost and all those who have been affected by this tragic event.” The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
