California authorities have identified all eight victims who died after a 27-foot powerboat capsized on Lake Tahoe near D.L. Bliss State Park on June 21. The vessel, carrying 10 passengers, overturned during a sudden storm with waves reaching up to 8 feet. Two survivors were rescued and hospitalized, while search crews recovered the remaining victims, according to the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office.
On June 24, the Coroner’s Division confirmed the victims included five Californians and three New Yorkers, mostly aged 63 and older, along with 37-year-old Josh Pickles, a DoorDash executive.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our colleague Josh Pickles,” said Ravi Inukonda, DoorDash CFO, in a statement to USA TODAY. “He was a beloved leader whose energy and compassion touched many. Our thoughts are with his family, and we are supporting them through this difficult time.”
The Sheriff’s Office extended condolences to all affected by the tragedy in a Facebook post shared the same day.
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Who were the victims?
California officials have identified all eight victims who tragically died after a 27-foot powerboat capsized on Lake Tahoe near D.L. Bliss State Park on June 21. The vessel, carrying 10 people, overturned during a sudden storm with waves reaching up to 8 feet. Only two passengers survived and were hospitalized. Search and recovery operations led to the discovery of the remaining victims, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office confirmed.
On June 24, the Sheriff’s Coroner Division released the names of the deceased:
- Paula Bozinovich, 71, Redwood City, California
- Terry Pickles, 73, Redwood City, California
- Joshua Antony Pickles, 37, San Francisco, California (DoorDash executive)
- Peter Bayes, 72, Lincoln, California
- Timothy O’Leary, 71, Auburn, California
- Theresa Giullari, 66, Honeoye, New York
- James Guck, 69, Honeoye, New York
- Stephen Lindsay, 63, Springwater, New York
The group included five Californians and three New Yorkers. Josh Pickles, the youngest victim, served as a respected executive at DoorDash.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our colleague Josh Pickles,” said Ravi Inukonda, DoorDash CFO, in a statement to USA TODAY. “Josh brought energy, compassion, and inspiration to everyone he worked with. Our thoughts are with his family, and we are supporting them through this incredibly difficult time.”
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office offered heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and all impacted by the tragedy in a public statement on June 24.
What happened?
Ten people were aboard a 27-foot Chris-Craft boat on Saturday afternoon, June 21, when powerful storms and 8-foot swells caused it to capsize, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Authorities have not confirmed whether any passengers were wearing life jackets.
Rescue crews recovered six bodies the same day, located a seventh on the evening of June 22, and found the final victim on June 23, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office reported.
Where is Lake Tahoe?
Lake Tahoe, a large freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada mountains, spans the California–Nevada border and ranks just behind the Great Lakes in water volume. Known for its exceptional clarity, most of the lake—including the site of the recent boating accident—is located within California.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the Lake Tahoe boat accident?
A powerboat carrying 10 people capsized on Lake Tahoe near D.L. Bliss State Park on June 21, 2025, amid sudden storms and waves reaching 8 feet. Only two passengers survived.
Was anyone from DoorDash involved in the accident?
Yes, Joshua Antony Pickles, a 37-year-old DoorDash executive, was among the victims.
Where did the accident occur on Lake Tahoe?
The incident happened near D.L. Bliss State Park on the California side of Lake Tahoe.
What caused the boat to capsize?
The U.S. Coast Guard reported the boat overturned due to sudden severe weather, including 8-foot wave heights. Life jacket usage has not been confirmed.
How many people survived the accident?
Two passengers were rescued and transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Who responded to the Lake Tahoe boating incident?
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office led search and recovery efforts, with support from the U.S. Coast Guard and local emergency services.
How long did the recovery operation take?
Six victims were recovered on June 21, the seventh on June 22, and the final victim was found on June 23.
What has DoorDash said about Josh Pickles?
DoorDash CFO Ravi Inukonda described Josh Pickles as an inspiring leader who deeply impacted those around him. The company is supporting his family during this difficult time.
Conclusion
The tragic Lake Tahoe boat accident serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of safety on the water. Eight lives were lost, including that of DoorDash executive Josh Pickles, leaving behind grieving families, friends, and communities across California and New York. As investigations continue, authorities and loved ones reflect on the lives cut short and the legacy each victim leaves behind. The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office and rescue teams have extended their deepest condolences, emphasizing their commitment to supporting all those impacted by this heartbreaking event.
