Authorities have confirmed the identities of eight individuals who lost their lives in a tragic boating accident on Lake Tahoe. Among those who died were DoorDash executive Joshua Pickles and his parents, along with several others from California and New York. The group had come together to celebrate a birthday when their boat overturned during a sudden and violent storm near D.L. Bliss State Park.
The 27-foot Chris-Craft vessel capsized amidst fierce winds and waves as high as 8 to 10 feet. Of the ten passengers on board, only two survived; their current conditions have not been disclosed. Multiple agencies participated in the rescue mission, which concluded three days later with the recovery of the last missing victim.
Friends, family members, and colleagues have shared their grief and heartfelt memories of the victims. Joshua Pickles’ wife expressed profound sorrow over her loss, while DoorDash honored his contributions to the company. Other victims, such as retired plumber Timothy O’Leary and Stephen Lindsay, were remembered for their kindness, dedication to loved ones, and positive spirit.
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office thanked the many teams who aided in the rescue and recovery efforts. They also released footage showing the dangerous lake conditions that led to the disaster. Witnesses described the water as violently choppy, and emergency responders braved the severe storm in an attempt to save lives during the heartbreaking incident.