Authorities confirm identities of eight victims in fatal Lake Tahoe boating tragedy, including DoorDash executive Joshua Pickles and family members. Rescue efforts and community reactions detailed.
8 Victims Identified in Deadly Lake Tahoe Boating Tragedy, Including DoorDash Executive and His Parents
Lake Tahoe, CA — Authorities have confirmed the identities of eight victims who tragically died in a boating accident on Lake Tahoe during a sudden summer storm on June 21, 2025. Among the deceased are Joshua Antony Pickles, a DoorDash executive from San Francisco, and his parents, Paula Bozinovich and Terry Pickles of Redwood City.
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office (EDSO) announced the victims’ names on June 24, following days of coordinated search and recovery efforts involving multiple agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard and California State Parks.
Five of the victims were California residents:
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Joshua Antony Pickles, 37, DoorDash executive
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Paula Bozinovich, 71, Redwood City
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Terry Pickles, 73, Redwood City
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Peter Bayes, 72, Lincoln
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Timothy O’Leary, 71, Auburn
Three victims were from New York:
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Theresa Giullari, 66, Honeoye
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James Guck, 69, Honeoye
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Stephen Lindsay, 63, Springwater
Approximately ten people were aboard a 27-foot Chris-Craft vessel owned by Pickles when the boat capsized near D.L. Bliss State Park amid 8-10 foot waves and winds up to 30 knots. The group had gathered to celebrate a birthday.
Two survivors were rescued and hospitalized; their conditions remain undisclosed. The search for missing individuals ended June 23 with the recovery of the last victim.
Community Mourns Loss of Beloved Members
Family members and colleagues have shared heartfelt tributes. Joshua Pickles’s wife, Jordan Sugar-Carlsgaard, expressed profound grief, stating, “We are devastated by this tragedy… knowing their lives were lost during what was meant to be a joyful time.”
DoorDash CFO Ravi Inukonda honored Joshua’s nearly seven years at the company, calling him “an inspiration” and emphasizing the company’s commitment to supporting his family.
Timothy O’Leary, a retired plumber and devoted family man, was remembered by Local 467 union officials as someone who “could fix anything” and loved the outdoors.
Stephen Lindsay’s sister described her brother’s passing as an irreplaceable loss to their family.
Dramatic Rescue and Investigation
Witness video showed the vessel capsizing in rapidly worsening weather conditions. Veteran mariner Joby Cefalu described the waves as more severe than 30-foot ocean swells, a rare summer phenomenon on Lake Tahoe.
Emergency responders established a triage center and conducted extensive search operations involving dive teams and K9 units before suspending the search.
Related: Fatal Kayaking Collision Claims Life of Texas Teen Ava Moore
Less than a month prior, 18-year-old Ava Moore died in a kayaking accident on Lake Grapevine, Texas. A personal watercraft struck her kayak on May 25, causing fatal injuries. Authorities apprehended the watercraft operator and her companion following a hit-and-run investigation.
Moore, a promising U.S. Air Force Academy candidate, was remembered for her leadership and dedication to service by family, friends, and military officials.
