Joshua Pickles dies in fatal South Lake Tahoe boating accident
Fatal South Lake Tahoe boating accident death of Joshua Pickles
Joshua Pickles, along with seven others, lost his life in a tragic boating incident on Lake Tahoe on June 21, as confirmed by the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office.
Among the deceased were his parents, Terry Pickles and Paula Bozinovich, both from Redwood City, California, and his uncle, Peter Bayes, of Lincoln, California. Also killed were Timothy O’Leary from Auburn, Theresa Giullari and James Guck from Honeoye, New York, and Stephen Lindsay from Springwater, New York.
Pickles, age 37, served as DoorDash’s Global Head of Strategic Sourcing and Procurement. The company expressed deep sorrow over his passing, describing him as a valued team member with a powerful spirit who made a lasting impression during his nearly seven-year tenure.
His widow, Jordan Sugar-Carlsgaard, issued a heartfelt statement mourning the deaths of her husband, his family members, and close friends. She emphasized the devastation caused by what was supposed to be a joyful day on the lake.
The boating accident occurred near D.L. Bliss State Park, where authorities were called around 3 p.m. following reports of a vessel capsizing in rough conditions, with waves reaching eight feet. Ten individuals were thrown into the water.
Six were confirmed dead at the scene, two were hospitalized after being rescued, and two remained missing until one body was recovered Sunday night and the other Monday afternoon.
South Lake Tahoe Mayor Tamara Wallace described the storm as one of the most violent she has witnessed in nearly three decades of living in the area.
According to meteorologist Chris Smallcomb, the Sierra storm system brought unexpected and powerful winds that gusted up to 45 miles per hour, catching boaters off guard.
Despite the potential value of a storm warning system, officials noted that the speed and ferocity of the storm left little time for safe return to shore, especially since the boat was estimated to be 40 to 45 minutes from the marina.
