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Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Climate
- Daily Mail
Survivors of Lake Tahoe boating disaster credited for life-saving decision after 'freak storm' killed eight
The two survivors of the deadly Lake Tahoe tragedy that claimed eight lives were wearing life jackets at the time of their rescue. Ten boaters abroad a 27-foot gold Chris-Craft vessel set out the California side of Lake Tahoe last weekend, eager to enjoy a sun-drenched day on the water for a 71st birthday celebration. But the day turned fatal when a sudden, powerful storm erupted over the lake - unleashing eight-foot waves, pounding hail and torrential rain - that struck without warning and ultimately capsized their boat, claiming eight lives. The victims of the disaster were identified as: Paula Bozinovich, 71, Terry Pickles, 73, Joshua Antony Pickles, 37, Peter Bayes, 72, Timothy O'Leary, 71, Theresa Giullari, 66, James Guck, 69 and Stephen Lindsay, 63. However, the two unidentified individuals who survived the tsunami-like storm were revealed to be wearing life jackets when rescued, before being transported to a local hospital, according to a Facebook post from the Washoe County Sheriff's Hasty Team. 'The most common mistake boaters make it not being aware of the forecasted weather,' BM1 Justin Smith, executive petty officer of Coast Guard Station Lake Tahoe, said in a statement to Fox News Digital. 'Life jackets being worn continue to be the primary survivability factor,' he added. On the morning of June 21st, the conditions outside were perfect for a carefree weekend outing - clear skies, gentle breezes and steadily rising temperatures. Despite a slight chance of rain and thunderstorms - a common occurrence for seasoned boaters - hundreds still took to the water that day. But something shifted around 2pm - some boaters spotted whitecaps forming on the water, while others noticed the wind suddenly picking up, blowing fiercely from the north, as reported by The Los Angeles Times. From that moment, conditions deteriorated rapidly, transforming a calm day into a desperate race against time and nature - as eight-foot waves, 30-knot winds, snow and hail engulfed the lake within just minutes. 'It felt like we were in a tsunami that was starting,' Brittany Glick, who was on a nearby pontoon celebrating a bachelorette party, told NPR. 'I had never experienced anything like that.' 'It happened suddenly. The water was just screaming toward the shore,' Ms Brigantino, who was visiting the lake with friends, told BBC. 'It was bad.' Some vessels broke free from their moorings, while others sank or crashed into nearby piers. Several buoys were also washed ashore, according to the LA Times. Before many could reach shore amid the chaos, several boats capsized - hurling passengers into the raging, churning waters. At around 3pm, multiple people reported seeing a group in the water after their boat met the same fate - all while waves in the area at the time were around eight-feet high, according to a news release from the El Dorado Sheriff's Office. Both the sheriff's office and the Coast Guard swiftly responded to the shores of D.L. Bliss State Park, where they successfully rescued two individuals wearing flotation devices. 'Weather in the Tahoe Basin can be unpredictable and change quickly,' Smith warned boaters while speaking with Fox News. 'Mariners should be hesitant to operate in conditions where wind advisories or small craft advisories have been issued,' he added. A massive search-and-rescue operation involving multiple agencies was quickly launched to locate the remaining boaters, including North Tahoe Fire, California State Parks, the Washoe County Sheriff's Office, and the United States Coast Guard. The recovery operations also required advanced divers and specialized teams, including Wilderness Finder Search Dog Teams. Six bodies were recovered on the surface of the water near the capsized boat shortly after the storm, according to the Facebook post. The following day, 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. An extensive underwater search was conducted by the Washoe County's Search and Rescue Hasty Team, the Specialized Vehicle Unit aboard Marine 10 and the Marine 9 crew, the department wrote. Both the sheriff's office and the Coast Guard swiftly responded to the shores of D.L. Bliss State Park, where they successfully rescued two individuals wearing flotation devices The search employed the team's Outland 1000 Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), equipped with multiple cameras, lights, onboard sonar, and an articulating claw - capable of diving to depths of up to 2,000 feet. That afternoon, a seventh victim was found at a depth of over 300 feet. Then, on Monday afternoon, the final missing boater was discovered deceased at a similar depth, bringing the death toll to eight, according to the department. 'The success of the search and recovery operations would not have been nearly as efficient without the assistance of our partner agencies,' the sheriff's office said. Among those who lost their lives was 37-year-old DoorDash executive Josh Pickles, along with his parents - 73-year-old Terry Pickles and 71-year-old Paula Bozinovich, ABC 7 News reported. Pickles' wife had stayed home taking care of their seven-month-old daughter at the time of the disaster, according to Fox News. The group was celebrating his mother's 71st birthday on Lake Tahoe. Two other victims were also from California: Josh Pickles' uncle, 72-year-old Peter Bayes, and 71-year-old Timothy O'Leary. The three remaining victims - 66-year-old Theresa Giullari, 69-year-old James Guck and 63-year-old Stephen Lindsay - were visiting from New York. 'These individuals were part of a closely connected family group enjoying a birthday gathering on the lake,' the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office said in a June 24 statement. 'We extend our deepest heartfelt condolences to the families of those who were lost and all those who have been affected by this tragic event.' But even boaters who managed to reach shore during the storm weren't out of danger - many suffered after falling into the frigid water, which remained below 60 degrees throughout the day, LA Times reported. 'There was just a massive amount of people that were in hypothermia or shock,' Joby Cefalu, a lifelong Tahoe boater, told the outlet. 'It was just a tragic day on Lake Tahoe.' Last weekend's tragedy is believed to be the deadliest boating incident in the Golden State since 2019, when a 75-foot boat caught fire and sank near Santa Cruz Island, killing 34 people.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Sole survivors in Lake Tahoe boating disaster had one thing in common
A joyous family celebration turned into a harrowing tragedy over the weekend when a boat capsized during a sudden storm on Lake Tahoe, leaving eight people dead and two others hospitalized. The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office confirmed that the group had gathered for a 71st birthday celebration for Paula Bozinovich. The department identified the deceased as Bozinovich, 71, and her husband, Terry Pickles, 73, both of Redwood City, California; their son, Joshua Antony Pickles, 37, a San Francisco resident and DoorDash executive; and Peter Bayes, 72, of Lincoln, California, a close family relative. Also killed were four family friends: Timothy O'Leary, 71, of Auburn, California; Theresa Giullari, 66, and James Guck, 69, both of Honeoye, New York; and Stephen Lindsay, 63, of Springwater, New York. "These individuals were part of a closely connected family group enjoying a birthday gathering on the lake," the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office said in a June 24 statement. "We extend our deepest heartfelt condolences to the families of those who were lost and all those who have been affected by this tragic event." Multiple People Dead, 2 Missing After Boat Capsizes At Vacation Hotspot Read On The Fox News App The party had set out in a 27-foot gold Chris-Craft powerboat near D.L. Bliss State Park on Saturday, June 21, the department said. Initially greeted by clear skies and calm waters, the group's outing took a deadly turn when a powerful storm swept across the lake. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, winds reached 30 knots with swells as high as eight feet. The boat capsized just before 3 p.m., tossing all ten occupants into the frigid waters of Lake Tahoe. Two unidentified individuals survived the accident. Both were wearing life jackets when they were rescued and transported to a local hospital, the department said. "The most common mistake boaters make is not being aware of the forecasted weather," BM1 Justin Smith, executive petty officer of Coast Guard Station Lake Tahoe, said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "Life jackets being worn continue to be the primary survivability factor." Doordash Executive Among Victims In Lake Tahoe Boating Disaster Emergency response teams from multiple jurisdictions, including North Tahoe Fire, California State Parks, Washoe County Sheriff's Office, and the United States Coast Guard, mounted a massive search-and-rescue operation. In the wake of the tragedy, officials reiterated the importance of weather awareness, life jacket use and float plans. "Weather in the Tahoe Basin can be unpredictable and change quickly," warned Smith. "Mariners should be hesitant to operate in conditions where wind advisories or small craft advisories have been issued." Six bodies were recovered on the day of the incident. The remaining two were found in the days that followed, with the final recovery made on Monday afternoon. "The success of the search and recovery operations would not have been nearly as efficient without the assistance of our partner agencies," the sheriff's office said. The recovery operations also required advanced divers and specialized teams such as the Wilderness Finder Search Dog Teams, the department said. In a statement to Fox News Digital, DoorDash mourned the loss of Joshua Pickles, calling him "a cherished colleague and beloved friend whose energy and compassion will be deeply missed." "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," Josh Pickles' wife, Jordan Sugar-Carlsgaard, said in the statement Tuesday to the Associated Press. "Our hearts go out to those who tragically lost their lives and the two survivors of this unexpected and deadly storm on Lake Tahoe." Josh Pickles' wife had stayed at home taking care of their seven-month-old daughter, Sam Singer, a family spokesperson, told the outlet. The couple, who married in 2023, both worked at tech companies in San Francisco. Josh worked at DoorDash, and Jordan at Airbnb, Singer article source: Sole survivors in Lake Tahoe boating disaster had one thing in common
Fox News
8 hours ago
- Climate
- Fox News
Sole survivors in Lake Tahoe boating disaster had one thing in common
A joyous family celebration turned into a harrowing tragedy over the weekend when a boat capsized during a sudden storm on Lake Tahoe, leaving eight people dead and two others hospitalized. The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office confirmed that the group had gathered for a 71st birthday celebration for Paula Bozinovich. The department identified the deceased as Bozinovich, 71, and her husband, Terry Pickles, 73, both of Redwood City, California; their son, Joshua Antony Pickles, 37, a San Francisco resident and DoorDash executive; and Peter Bayes, 72, of Lincoln, California, a close family relative. Also killed were four family friends: Timothy O'Leary, 71, of Auburn, California; Theresa Giullari, 66, and James Guck, 69, both of Honeoye, New York; and Stephen Lindsay, 63, of Springwater, New York. "These individuals were part of a closely connected family group enjoying a birthday gathering on the lake," the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office said in a June 24 statement. "We extend our deepest heartfelt condolences to the families of those who were lost and all those who have been affected by this tragic event." The party had set out in a 27-foot gold Chris-Craft powerboat near D.L. Bliss State Park on Saturday, June 21, the department said. Initially greeted by clear skies and calm waters, the group's outing took a deadly turn when a powerful storm swept across the lake. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, winds reached 30 knots with swells as high as eight feet. The boat capsized just before 3 p.m., tossing all ten occupants into the frigid waters of Lake Tahoe. Two unidentified individuals survived the accident. Both were wearing life jackets when they were rescued and transported to a local hospital, the department said. "The most common mistake boaters make is not being aware of the forecasted weather," BM1 Justin Smith, executive petty officer of Coast Guard Station Lake Tahoe, said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "Life jackets being worn continue to be the primary survivability factor." Emergency response teams from multiple jurisdictions, including North Tahoe Fire, California State Parks, Washoe County Sheriff's Office, and the United States Coast Guard, mounted a massive search-and-rescue operation. In the wake of the tragedy, officials reiterated the importance of weather awareness, life jacket use and float plans. "Weather in the Tahoe Basin can be unpredictable and change quickly," warned Smith. "Mariners should be hesitant to operate in conditions where wind advisories or small craft advisories have been issued." Six bodies were recovered on the day of the incident. The remaining two were found in the days that followed, with the final recovery made on Monday afternoon. "The success of the search and recovery operations would not have been nearly as efficient without the assistance of our partner agencies," the sheriff's office said. The recovery operations also required advanced divers and specialized teams such as the Wilderness Finder Search Dog Teams, the department said. In a statement to Fox News Digital, DoorDash mourned the loss of Joshua Pickles, calling him "a cherished colleague and beloved friend whose energy and compassion will be deeply missed." "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," Josh Pickles' wife, Jordan Sugar-Carlsgaard, said in the statement Tuesday to the Associated Press. "Our hearts go out to those who tragically lost their lives and the two survivors of this unexpected and deadly storm on Lake Tahoe." Josh Pickles' wife had stayed at home taking care of their seven-month-old daughter, Sam Singer, a family spokesperson, told the outlet. The couple, who married in 2023, both worked at tech companies in San Francisco. Josh worked at DoorDash, and Jordan at Airbnb, Singer said.
India Today
2 days ago
- Business
- India Today
DoorDash executive Josh Pickles among 8 dead in Lake Tahoe boat accident
A peaceful birthday bash turned into a tragic event when a boat loaded with family members and friends overturned on Lake Tahoe, killing eight individuals, including DoorDash executive Josh accident happened on June 21 in DL Bliss State Park during a summer outing to celebrate Pickles' mother's 71st 27-foot Chris-Craft boat had 10 people aboard when it hit bad weather. At that time, waves were up to eight feet high. The boat overturned, dumping everyone in the icy lake waters. Two were rescued and taken to a hospital, but eight others lost their Among the dead were 37-year-old Josh Pickles, his parents, Terry Pickles and Paula Bozinovich, and his uncle, Peter WAS PICKLES? Pickles was a senior director of DoorDash, where he was in charge of strategic sourcing and procurement in the finance department. He was characterized by his colleagues as a passionate and motivational professional who introduced energy and leadership to his work. Before DoorDash, he worked for several prominent tech companies in the San Francisco Bay victims included Paula Bozinovich, 71, from Redwood City, California; Terry Pickles, 73, from Redwood City, California; Joshua Antony Pickles, 37, from San Francisco; Peter Bayes, 72, from Lincoln, California; Timothy O'Leary, 71, from Auburn, California; Theresa Giullari, 66, from Honeoye, New York; James Guck, 69, from Honeoye, New York; and Stephen Lindsay, 63, from Springwater, New Chief Financial Officer Ravi Inukonda commemorated Josh's legacy."His death is an incalculable loss. Josh possessed an infectious spirit that inspired everyone he met," he are pursuing their investigation of the cause of the accident.- Ends
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Mail
Terrifying new video shows 10ft waves after 'freak storm' shook Lake Tahoe leaving EIGHT dead
Eight people were killed on the California side of Lake Tahoe when a sudden, violent storm struck without warning - unleashing 10-foot waves, pounding hail, and torrential rain that capsized their boat. Ten boaters aboard a 27-foot gold Chris-Craft vessel set out to Lake Tahoe Saturday afternoon, eager to enjoy a sun-drenched day on the water for a birthday celebration, as reported by ABC 7 News. But the day turned deadly when an unexpected, powerful storm exploded over the lake, capsizing their boat without warning - an apocalyptic scene captured in stomach-churning video footage. Tragically, eight people were killed in the disaster: Paula Bozinovich, 71, Terry Pickles, 73, Joshua Antony Pickles, 37, Peter Bayes, 72, Timothy O'Leary, 71, Theresa Giullari, 66, James Guck, 69 and Stephen Lindsay, 63. 'It's the worst situation I've seen on the lake,' South Lake Tahoe Mayor Tamara Wallace told the Los Angeles Times, describing it as an 'unspeakable tragedy.' On Saturday morning, the conditions outside were perfect for a carefree weekend outing - clear skies, gentle breezes and steadily rising temperatures. Despite a slight chance of rain and thunderstorms - a common occurrence for seasoned boaters - hundreds still took to the water that day. However, around 2 pm, something shifted - some boaters spotted whitecaps forming on the water, while others noticed the wind suddenly picking up, blowing fiercely from the north, as reported by the LA Times. From that moment, conditions rapidly deteriorated, turning a calm day into a desperate race against time and nature - as relentless waves, hurricane-force winds, snow, and hail engulfed the lake within minutes. 'It felt like we were in a tsunami that was starting,' Brittany Glick, who was on a pontoon celebrating a bachelorette party, told NPR. 'I had never experienced anything like that.' Terrifying video footage from the storm showed dozens of boats battling the fierce, churning waters - crashing into each other as they struggled to withstand the intense power of the waves. Some vessels broke free from their moorings, while others sank or crashed into nearby piers. Several buoys were also washed ashore, according to the LA Times. 'It was a lot of helping people,' Wallace added, as reported by the outlet. But before many could reach shore amid the chaos, several boats capsized, hurling passengers into the raging, churning waters. 'We were shaken up seeing all the boats flipped,' Glick said, as reported by NPR. 'And being drenched in that water, we were so cold. We were shaking uncontrollably. Our feet were numb, and our toes were turning blue.' 'That was probably one of the scariest moments I've had in my 30 years,' she added. 'The storm came in so quick. It was terrifying.' 🚨 "HOLY SH*T!!" WHAT THE HELL JUST HIT LAKE TAHOE? A massive freak storm out of nowhere - snow, hail, 10-foot waves, and hurricane-force winds in late June. Boats capsizing and crashing into each other, 6 dead, 2 missing. This wasn't weather… it was a f*cking strike. — HustleBitch (@HustleBitch_) June 23, 2025 At around 3pm, multiple people reported seeing 10 people in the water after their boat capsized, while waves in the area at the time were around eight-feet high, according to a news release from the El Dorado Sheriff's Office. Both the sheriff's office and the Coast Guard swiftly responded to the shores of D.L. Bliss State Park, where officials successfully rescued two people who had been aboard the ten-person boat. Tragically, six bodies were recovered from the water shortly after capsizing. The two survivors - one of whom swam to shore - were transported to a local hospital in unknown condition, as reported by The Sacramento Bee. The following afternoon, a seventh victim was found, and on Monday afternoon, the final missing boater was discovered deceased - bringing the death toll to eight. Among those who lost their lives was 37-year-old DoorDash executive Josh Pickles, along with his parents - 73-year-old Terry Pickles and 71-year-old Paula Bozinovich, ABC 7 reported. Two other victims were also from California: Josh Pickles' uncle, 72-year-old Peter Bayes, and 71-year-old Timothy O'Leary. 'This is a terrible heartbreaking tragedy that took the lives of Joshua Pickles, his father Terry, his mother Paula, his uncle Peter as well as friends and family, all of whom were out on the lake celebrating the 71st birthday of his mother,' Sam Singer, a family spokesperson, told ABC. 'The family has homes in the Bay Area as well as on Lake Tahoe,' he added. 'They love the lake. That adds to the tragedy that has occurred.' The three remaining victims - 66-year-old Theresa Giullari, 69-year-old James Guck and 63-year-old Stephen Lindsay - were visiting from New York. But even boaters who managed to reach shore during the storm weren't out of danger - many suffered after falling into the frigid water, which remained below 60 degrees throughout the day, LA Times reported. 'There was just a massive amount of people that were in hypothermia or shock,' Joby Cefalu, a lifelong Tahoe boater, told the outlet. Cefalu, along with marina staff and local residents, quickly set up a makeshift triage area, working tirelessly for nearly two hours to assist at least 60 people in need. 'I'm on the water a great deal of days of the year... I've been in just about every type of condition, and that was just something I've never seen happen so fast,' he said. 'It was just a tragic day on Lake Tahoe.' The storm even caught forecasters off guard, with meteorologist Matthew Chyba of the National Weather Service in Nevada admitting, 'We weren't expecting it to be so strong.' A nearby weather station recorded wind speeds reaching 45 mph during the disaster, while meteorologists now attribute the extreme conditions to the convergence of an unseasonal cold front and a cluster of thunderstorms, The Sacramento Bee reported. Saturday's storm, which cleared out within two hours, marks the deadliest boating incident in California since 2019.
