A summer outing on Lake Tahoe turned into catastrophe on June 21, when a 27-foot Chris-Craft capsized near D.L. Bliss State Park during an abrupt storm, leaving eight passengers dead and two fighting for their lives. Investigators say the weather shifted in minutes, whipping up high winds and heavy swells that overwhelmed the craft.
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office on June 24 released the victims’ names: Joshua Antony Pickles, 37, a DoorDash executive from San Francisco; his parents Paula Bozinovich, 71, and Terry Pickles, 73, of Redwood City; Peter Bayes, 72, of Lincoln; Timothy O’Leary, 71, of Auburn; and New York residents Theresa Giullari, 66, James Guck, 69, and Stephen Lindsay, 63.
Ten people had boarded the boat that afternoon; only two survived. Their identities remain private at the request of their families. The final missing passenger was recovered on June 23, bringing the search to a somber close.
Early findings point to wind gusts topping 40 mph and waves cresting several feet—conditions fierce enough to flip even experienced boaters without warning. Officials noted that summer storms on alpine lakes can form quickly and urged visitors to monitor weather alerts and wear life vests at all times.
In a statement, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office offered “heartfelt condolences” to the grieving families and thanked the U.S. Coast Guard, California State Parks, and numerous local agencies for their round-the-clock recovery efforts. As the Tahoe community mourns, officials hope the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of nature’s volatility and the need for caution on the water.
If this story moved you, consider sharing it—staying informed can save lives the next time the skies darken without warning.
