Lake Tahoe horror: DoorDash exec Josh Pickles among 8 dead in California’s worst boating tragedy since 2019

A day that was supposed to be filled with joy to celebrate the 71st birthday of the mother of a San Francisco-based DoorDash executive suddenly turned into a devastating tragedy when a luxury powerboat carrying ten people in Lake Tahoe capsized during a sudden storm, according to a report.

Birthday Celebration Turns Into Boating Tragedy on Lake Tahoe

This incident left eight dead in what officials are calling California’s deadliest boating accident since 2019, as reported by ABC 7 San Francisco.

The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office Coroner's Division confirmed that one of the victims was 37-year-old Josh Pickles, who was a DoorDash executive from San Francisco, even his parents, Terry Pickles, 73, and Paula Bozinovic, 71, died because of the boating incident, as per the ABC 7 San Francisco report. A spokesperson for the Pickles family said that even Josh's uncle Peter Bayes, 72, had passed away in the accident, reported ABC 7 San Francisco.

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According to the report, the other four victims were identified as Timothy O'Leary, 71, James Guck, 69, Theresa Giullari, 66, and Stephen Lindsay, 63, while the condition of the two people who survived is not known yet.

Pickles family's spokesperson shared that "On June 21, Josh and his family went out on the California lake in his 27-foot 'Chris-Craft' luxury powerboat in celebration of his mom Paula's 71st birthday," as quoted in the report. As per officials, they got 911 calls reporting the family's boat was capsised during a storm around 5 p.m., reported ABC 7 San Francisco.

DoorDash Executive Josh Pickles Among the Victims

The spokesperson said that, "This is a terrible heartbreaking tragedy that took the lives of Joshua Pickles, his father Terry, his mother Paula, his uncle Peter as well as friends and family," adding that, "The family has homes in the Bay Area as well as on Lake Tahoe. They love the lake. That adds to the tragedy that has occurred," as quoted in the report.

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Josh’s Wife and Infant Daughter Were Not Onboard

While, Josh’s wife, Jordan Pickles, was not on the boat at the time, as she wanted to stay on shore with their 7-month-old child, and while she survived the deadly boat accident, she said that her life has been forever changed by the loss of her husband, reported ABC 7 San Francisco.

She said, "We are devastated by this tragedy," as quoted by ABC 7 San Francisco. Jordan also added that, "No words can express the pain and anguish we feel knowing their lives were lost during what was meant to be a joyful time on the lake. Our hearts go out to those who tragically lost their lives and the two survivors of this unexpected and deadly storm on Lake Tahoe," as quoted in the report.

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Remembering Josh Pickles’ Legacy at DoorDash

As per Josh's LinkedIn profile, he was the Global Head of Strategic Sourcing and Procurement within the Finance team at DoorDash, and had spent nearly seven years at the company, as reported by E! News.

DoorDash’s chief financial officer Ravi Inukonda expressed his sadness, saying, "We are heartbroken by the tragic accident that took the life of our beloved colleague, Josh Pickles," as quoted by E! News. He said, "During his nearly seven years at DoorDash, he brought a contagious spirit that lifted those around him. The loss of Josh is immeasurable. We miss him deeply and will carry his memory with us always," as quoted in the report.

The CFO also said that, "Our thoughts and love are with his wife, his daughter, his family, and all who were close to him. We are working to support them through this incredibly difficult time," as quoted by E! News.

FAQs

What caused the accident on Lake Tahoe?
A sudden storm hit the area, and the powerboat carrying 10 people capsized, as per the report.

Was Josh’s wife on the boat?
No. His wife, Jordan Pickles, stayed on shore with their 7-month-old baby, as per the report.