DoorDash Executive Joshua Pickles and Family Among Eight Killed in Deadly Lake Tahoe Boating Accident
South Lake Tahoe, Calif. — Tragedy struck Lake Tahoe on June 21 when a sudden and violent storm capsized a boat near D.L. Bliss State Park, claiming the lives of eight people and leaving two survivors hospitalized. Among the victims was Joshua Antony Pickles, a 37-year-old DoorDash executive from San Francisco.
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Coroner has identified the eight victims:
- Joshua Antony Pickles, 37, San Francisco, CA
- Terry Pickles, 73, Redwood City, CA (Joshua’s father)
- Paula Bozinovich, 71, Redwood City, CA (Joshua’s mother)
- Peter Bayes, 72, Lincoln, CA (Joshua’s uncle)
- Timothy O’Leary, 71, Auburn, CA
- Theresa Giullari, 66, Honeoye, NY
- James Guck, 69, Honeoye, NY
- Stephen Lindsay, 63, Springwater, NY
Joshua Pickles served as DoorDash’s Global Head of Strategic Sourcing and Procurement. DoorDash CFO Ravi Inukonda shared a heartfelt statement, saying, “We are heartbroken by the tragic accident that took the life of our beloved colleague, Josh Pickles. He was an inspiration to everyone who knew him, bringing a contagious spirit to the team. His loss is immeasurable.”
Pickles’ widow, Jordan Sugar-Carlsgaard, also released a statement confirming the loss of her husband, his parents, and uncle in the accident. “We are devastated by this tragedy. What was meant to be a joyful family outing turned into a heartbreaking loss,” she said, expressing gratitude to first responders from the U.S. Coast Guard, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, and regional emergency teams for their tireless rescue efforts.
The accident occurred around 3 p.m. when a sudden Sierra storm whipped up waves reaching eight feet and wind gusts as high as 45 mph. Witnesses reported seeing boats collide and capsizing as the storm rapidly spread across the lake.
South Lake Tahoe Mayor Tamara Wallace described the incident as unprecedented in her nearly three decades living in the community. “This was a freak storm unlike anything we’ve seen before. The damage was swift and devastating,” she said.
The National Weather Service confirmed the storm was unusual but not impossible in the region. Officials note that while a warning system could be helpful, the storm’s speed left little time for those on the water to return to safety. The boat involved was approximately 40 to 45 minutes from the marina when the storm hit.
Two survivors were rescued and hospitalized; however, six victims were initially found deceased. The remaining two missing were recovered over the following two days.
This tragic event has deeply shaken the Lake Tahoe community and the wider Bay Area, especially given the prominent role Joshua Pickles played at DoorDash and the close family ties lost in the accident.