Paula Bozinovich dies in fatal Lake Tahoe boat accident
Fatal Lake Tahoe boat accident death of Paula Bozinovich
Paula Bozinovich, 71, of Redwood City, California, has been officially confirmed as one of the eight victims in the tragic boating accident on Lake Tahoe during a sudden June 21 storm, according to the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Coroner .
Bozinovich, who was aboard a 27‑foot Chris‑Craft celebrating her birthday, lost her life when powerful winds and towering waves overturned the vessel near D.L. Bliss State Park around 3 p.m. .
Authorities recovered six bodies shortly after the capsizing, while Bozinovich and the remaining two victims were found during ongoing search efforts on Sunday night and Monday .
She shared the boat with close family including her husband Terry Pickles, their son Joshua Pickles, and his uncle Peter Bayes—all of whom also perished—along with other friends and relatives .
Emergency responders described the storm as unusually fierce, with wind gusts reaching up to 45 mph and waves as high as eight feet, conditions that overwhelmed the boat in a matter of moments . Eyewitness footage shows boats colliding with docks and each other in the chaotic turmoil.
This heartbreaking accident ranks among the most deadly on Lake Tahoe in recent history, turning a birthday celebration into an overwhelming tragedy for multiple families.
