Authorities have confirmed the identities of eight people who tragically lost their lives in a boating accident on Lake Tahoe. Among the victims were DoorDash executive Joshua Pickles, his parents, and several others from California and New York. The group had come together to celebrate a birthday when their boat capsized during a sudden storm near D.L. Bliss State Park.
The 27-foot Chris-Craft boat was caught in a fierce storm, battling winds and waves up to 10 feet high before it overturned. Of the ten people onboard, only two survived. Their current conditions have not been disclosed. Search and rescue operations involved multiple local and state agencies and continued for days. The last missing victim was recovered three days later, bringing the mission to a close.
Family, friends, and colleagues are mourning the devastating loss. Joshua Pickles’ wife shared a heartfelt statement about her grief, while DoorDash honored his impactful contributions to the company. Other victims, such as retired plumber Timothy O’Leary and Stephen Lindsay, are being remembered for their kindness, generosity, and deep love for their families.
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office thanked all the agencies involved in the response and released video footage showing the violent lake conditions during the accident. Witnesses described the waters as dangerously rough, and first responders risked their own safety as they braved the storm in search of survivors.
The tragedy has shaken the Lake Tahoe community and beyond, serving as a stark reminder of how quickly weather conditions on the lake can turn dangerous.