A tragic incident occurred on Lake Tahoe when a sudden storm caused a boat to capsize, resulting in the deaths of eight people. Among the victims was Josh Pickles, a 37-year-old executive at DoorDash, who was celebrating his mother Paula Bozinovich’s 71st birthday with family and friends. The group had gathered for a joyful occasion, but the weather quickly turned dangerous.
On Saturday afternoon, the weather changed rapidly. Winds that were initially mild surged to dangerous speeds of 35 to 45 mph, and the temperature plummeted nearly 20 degrees. Waves grew to between 7 and 10 feet, creating treacherous conditions on the lake.
The boat, a 27-foot powerboat owned by Josh and his father Terry Pickles, was one of several on the water that day. When it capsized, ten people were on board. The Coast Guard and local authorities were alerted around 3 p.m. after reports of people in the water. Rescuers managed to save two individuals, but six others were found dead shortly after. Over the next two days, search teams located the remaining two victims, bringing the total death toll to eight.
The victims included Josh Pickles, his parents, and several close family friends. In a statement, Josh’s widow, Jordan Sugar-Carlsgaard, expressed her devastation over the loss. She highlighted the pain of losing loved ones during what was supposed to be a happy celebration. Thankfully, their infant child was not on the boat that day.
Family spokesperson Sam Singer shared that this was only the third time the Pickles family had taken the boat out since purchasing it last year. Josh Pickles had been with DoorDash for nearly seven years, serving as the head of global strategic sourcing and procurement. His colleagues remembered him as a passionate and inspiring leader.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities have not yet confirmed details regarding life vest usage among the victims. The cold water temperature, which was below 60 degrees, posed a significant risk for hypothermia for anyone exposed for too long.
As the community mourns, the loss of Josh Pickles and his family members has left a profound impact on those who knew them. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a joyful day can turn into a heartbreaking event.