Authorities have identified eight victims of a boating disaster at Lake Tahoe, including Joshua Pickles, a senior executive at DoorDash. The incident, which occurred on June 21, was triggered by high winds and a significant swell that led to the capsizing of the 27-foot boat. The victims included Pickles, his wife, daughter, parents, and uncle, all of whom were celebrating the 71st birthday of his mother.
The tragic event has prompted an outpouring of condolences from colleagues, family members, and first responders. DoorDash expressed its deep sorrow over the loss of its valued employee, stating that Pickles was an inspiration to his team and brought a positive spirit to the company. The company confirmed it is providing support to Pickles’ family during this difficult time.
Pickles’ widow, Jordan Sugar-Carlsgaard, shared that the boat outing was intended to commemorate the 71st birthday of his mother, Paula Bozinovich. She expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by first responders, including the U.S. Coast Guard, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, and other regional agencies in the search and rescue efforts.
Law enforcement agencies have confirmed that the capsized boat was caused by the combination of high winds and large swells, which destabilized the vessel. The Coast Guard reported winds exceeding 34 mph with swells reaching 6 to 8 feet at the time of the incident. The two missing individuals are currently unaccounted for, with their conditions yet to be determined.
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office has shared its condolences to the families of the deceased and those impacted by the tragedy. The incident has raised awareness about the risks associated with boating in high weather conditions, particularly in popular vacation spots like Lake Tahoe, where the combination of natural beauty and extreme weather can lead to sudden and tragic events.