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Eight Lives Lost in Devastating Lake Tahoe Boating Tragedy
Lake Tahoe mourns a devastating loss after a tragic boating accident on June 21 claimed the lives of eight individuals when a 27-foot Chris-Craft boat capsized amid a sudden and violent summer storm near D.L. Bliss State Park.
The ill-fated vessel was owned by 37-year-old San Francisco DoorDash executive Joshua Antony Pickles, who perished alongside his parents, Terry Pickles and Paula Bozinovich.
Victims Identified Following Intense Recovery Efforts
After several days of relentless search and rescue operations coordinated by multiple agencies, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office announced the names of the victims on June 24.
The capsize occurred under treacherous weather conditions marked by towering waves and fierce gusts that overwhelmed the boat’s stability.
Joshua Antony Pickles, a prominent DoorDash executive, tragically lost his life with his parents—73-year-old Terry Pickles and 71-year-old Paula Bozinovich—both residents of Redwood City, California.
The other victims included:
- Stephen Lindsay, 63, from Springwater, New York
- Theresa Giullari, 66, of Honeoye, New York
- James Guck, 69, also from Honeoye, New York
- Timothy O’Leary, 71, from Auburn
- Peter Bayes, 72, of Lincoln
Two survivors were aboard the vessel at the time; however, authorities have not publicly revealed their identities.
Search Efforts Conclude Amid Community Grief
The intense search mission wrapped up on June 23 at 2:40 p.m., when rescue teams recovered the last missing person from the lake’s depths. Officials attributed the tragedy to the unexpected ferocity of the storm, emphasizing the overwhelming force of the lake’s waves and winds that day.
Video footage captured during the storm reveals the perilous conditions that contributed to the capsizing, underscoring the dangers faced by those on the water.
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office extended heartfelt thanks to the U.S. Coast Guard, California State Parks, local fire departments, and law enforcement agencies whose tireless efforts brought closure to the search.
A Community United in Mourning and Support
This heartbreaking event has cast a shadow over families, friends, and the wider community, who are left grappling with the sudden loss of these eight cherished lives. The tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of nature’s unpredictability, especially on a lake as beloved and beautiful as Tahoe.
As survivors and loved ones begin the long path toward healing, support continues to pour in from across the region. Authorities, responders, and neighbors alike remain committed to offering comfort and aid during this profoundly difficult time.