S.F. man among 8 victims identified in Lake Tahoe boat accident after sudden storm
Authorities on Tuesday released the names of the eight victims killed when a powerboat capsized during a sudden storm on Lake Tahoe over the weekend.
The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office confirmed the victims as Paula Bozinovich, 71, and Terry Pickles, 73, both of Redwood City, Calif.; Joshua Antony Pickles, 37, of San Francisco; Peter Bayes, 72, of Lincoln, Calif.; Timothy O'Leary, 71, of Auburn, Calif.; Theresa Giullari, 66, and James Guck, 69, both of Honeoye, N.Y.; and Stephen Lindsay, 63, of Springwater, N.Y.
'The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office extends its deepest heartfelt condolences to the families of those who were lost and all those who have been affected by this tragic event,' the department said in a statement.
Jordan Sugar-Carlsgaard, the widow of Joshua Pickles, said in a statement that the victims had been enjoying a 'joyful time' together on the lake before the deadly storm swept in.
'We lost my loving husband Josh Pickles, his parents Terry Pickles and Paula Bozinovich, and Uncle Peter Bayes, as well as friends in this tragedy,' she said, calling the loss 'devastating.'
Sugar-Carlsgaard added, 'No words can express the pain and anguish we feel knowing their lives were lost.'
She expressed gratitude to the U.S. Coast Guard, El Dorado County Sheriff's Office and regional first responders, saying the family was 'profoundly thankful for their help in the tragic situation.'
The accident occurred Saturday afternoon when a 27-foot Chris-Craft Launch sank near D.L. Bliss State Park as a fast-moving squall swept across the lake. The storm brought 8-foot waves and wind gusts exceeding 35 mph, overwhelming the vessel carrying 10 people.
Two passengers survived and were hospitalized with injuries and hypothermia.
Rescue and recovery efforts spanned three days, with divers from multiple counties assisting. The final body was recovered Monday. The U.S. Coast Guard had searched more than 390 square miles before suspending its rescue operations Sunday morning.
'Suspending a search is always a difficult decision to make and weighs heavily on each Coast Guard member involved,' said Cmdr. David Herndon.
The sheriff's office thanked more than a dozen agencies involved in the operation, including the U.S. Coast Guard, California State Parks, and multiple local fire and law enforcement departments.
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