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Los Angeles Times
24-07-2025
- Climate
- Los Angeles Times
Life jackets made critical difference in Tahoe tragedy, report shows. None of the 8 killed wore one
None of the eight people killed in a horrific boating accident in Lake Tahoe in June were wearing life jackets, according to a preliminary report released by the National Transportation Safety Board on Wednesday. The report indicates that the decision on whether to don a life jacket when a pleasant day devolved into a freak storm made a critical difference in the passengers' fate. The tragedy unfolded on June 21 when a 28-foot-long boat carrying 10 people capsized on the California lake amid 8-foot waves, snow and hail. The water temperature was a chilling 54 degrees. Officials warn that water below 70 degrees is cold enough to cause hypothermia if a person is exposed to the conditions for a long enough period of time. Six people were found dead in the water without life jackets that afternoon, while two bodies were discovered on the lake floor near the accident site the following day. Of the two people who survived, one was found wearing a life jacket and the other was found clinging to a life jacket. The drowning victims were DoorDash executive Joshua Pickles and his parents, Terry Pickles and Paula Bozinovich, his uncle Peter Bayes and four of their friends. The two survivors were Amy Friduss and her mother, Julie Lindsay. Lindsay's husband and Friduss' father, Stephen Lindsay, also died in the accident. According to the report, one of the survivors put on a life jacket and began distributing them to other passengers after the stormy weather sent a large wave over the boat. 'No one else immediately donned their PFD [personal flotation device],' the report states. 'Shortly after, the boat rolled over to starboard, and the passengers entered the water. The survivor recalled that it started snowing after the boat rolled over while the people were in the water.' A salvage company later recovered the boat, which was examined by investigators from the NTSB and U.S. Coast Guard. 'Investigators did not find any evidence of a hull leak, grounding, or contact with an object,' the report states. 'On the vessel, investigators found one PFD still in its plastic packaging with tags on it, one infant life vest still in its packaging, an unzipped life vest stowage bag, and five inflatable PFDs in stowage compartments.' The privately owned Chris-Craft boat called Over the Moon set out for a day of recreating on Lake Tahoe on the morning of June 21. It was built in 2023 and valued at $393,000, according to the report. The weather was pleasant with clear skies, light winds and an air temperature in the 50s. The National Weather Service had not issued any marine warnings or small-craft advisories for the Lake Tahoe area that day; however, the area forecast indicated a slight chance of thunderstorms. Four adults including the two registered boat owners departed at 10:40 a.m. from the boat ramp, six additional passengers boarded at a marina, and the whole crew headed to Emerald Bay around noon, according to the report. This tucked-away cove is one of the most iconic areas of the lake, known for its turquoise waters, steep granite cliffs and dense pine forests. The boat anchored there for around 90 minutes before the weather suddenly shifted around 2 p.m. and the driver decided to head back to the marina. By then, the wind, rain and waves had picked up, so the driver returned to the bay. Ten minutes later, he made a second attempt to travel back to the marina. One of the survivors recalled the boat being pelted by marble-sized hail while waves increased to 8 to 10 feet, breaking over the bow of the boat, according to the report. Winds were gusting up to 34 knots, blowing snow and sleet at the vessel. A hiker called 911 around 3 p.m. after witnessing the boat capsize by the shores of D.L. Bliss State Park, in southwest Lake Tahoe. Another another hiker and a California State Parks lifeguard helped pull the survivors from the water and they were transported to a hospital and treated for hypothermia. In California, all children younger than 13 are legally required to wear a life jacket while on a boat. Life jackets are optional for adults, but every boat must carry enough personal flotation devices for every passenger. By 5:30 that evening, skies were once again blue and the waters were calm, but it was too late to save the remaining eight passengers.
Daily Mail
29-06-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mail
Survivors of Lake Tahoe boating disaster that killed eight are credited for wearing life jackets in ‘freak storm'
The two unidentified survivors of the deadly Lake Tahoe tragedy that claimed eight lives were wearing life jackets at the time of their rescue. Ten boaters aboard a 27ft gold Chris-Craft vessel set out on the California side of Lake Tahoe on June 21 eager to enjoy a sun-drenched day on the water for a 71st birthday celebration. However, the day turned fatal when a sudden powerful 'freak' storm erupted over the lake - unleashing 8ft waves, pounding hail, and torrential rain - that struck without warning and ultimately capsized their boat culminating in the deaths. Search & rescue: The two survivors of the deadly Lake Tahoe tragedy that claimed eight lives had their life jackets on at the time they were rescued The victims of the disaster were identified as Paula Bozinovich, 71, Terry Pickles, 73, Joshua Antony Pickles, 37, Peter Bayes, 72, Timothy O'Leary, 71, Theresa Giullari, 66, James Guck, 69, and Stephen Lindsay, 63. However, the two yet-to-be-named survivors of the tsunami-like storm were transported to a local hospital upon their rescue, according to a Facebook post from the Washoe County Sheriff's Hasty Team. Justin Smith of Coast Guard Station Lake Tahoe told Fox Digital News: 'The most common mistake boaters make is not being aware of the forecasted weather. 'Life jackets being worn continue to be the primary survivability factor.' On the morning of the fatal incident, the conditions outside were perfect for a carefree weekend outing - clear skies, gentle breezes, and steadily rising temperatures. Despite a slight chance of rain and thunderstorms - a common occurrence for seasoned boaters - hundreds of people still took to the water that day. But something shifted around 2pm and some boaters spotted whitecaps formed on the water, while others noticed the wind suddenly picked up and blew fiercely from the north, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. From that moment, conditions deteriorated rapidly to transform a calm day into a desperate race against time and nature - as 8ft waves, 30-knot winds, snow, and hail all engulfed the lake within just minutes. Brittany Glick, who was on a nearby pontoon celebrating a bachelorette party, told NPR: 'It felt like we were in a tsunami that was starting. I had never experienced anything like that.' A woman who was visiting the lake with friends, told the BBC: 'It happened suddenly. The water was just screaming toward the shore. It was bad.' Some vessels broke free from their moorings, while others sank or crashed into nearby piers. Several buoys were also washed ashore, according to the LA Times. Before many could reach shore amid the chaos, several boats capsized - hurling passengers into the raging, churning waters. At around 3pm, multiple people reported seeing a group in the water after their boat met the same fate, according to a news release from the El Dorado Sheriff's Office. Both the sheriff's office and the Coast Guard swiftly responded to the shores of DL Bliss State Park, where they successfully rescued two individuals strapped into their flotation devices. Smith of the coast guards warned boaters as he told Fox News: 'Weather in the Tahoe Basin can be unpredictable and change quickly. 'Mariners should be hesitant to operate in conditions where wind advisories or small craft advisories have been issued.' A massive search-and-rescue operation involving multiple agencies was quickly launched to locate the remaining boaters, including North Tahoe Fire, California State Parks, the Washoe County Sheriff's Office, and the United States Coast Guard. The recovery operations also required advanced divers and specialized teams, including Wilderness Finder Search Dog Teams. Action stations: Both the sheriff's office and the Coast Guard swiftly responded to the shores of DL Bliss State Park, where they successfully rescued the two surviving individuals Six bodies were recovered on the surface of the water near the capsized boat shortly after the storm, according to the Facebook post. The following day, the Washoe County Sheriff's Office responded to a request from El Dorado's County Sheriff's Office to assist in recovering the remaining two victims. An extensive underwater search was conducted by the Search and Rescue Hasty Team, the Specialized Vehicle Unit aboard Marine 10 and the Marine 9 crew, according to the department wrote. The search employed the Hasty Team's Outland 1,000 Remotely Operated Vehicle, equipped with multiple cameras, lights, onboard sonar, and an articulating claw capable of diving to depths of up to 2,000ft. That afternoon, a seventh victim was found at a depth of over 300ft. Then, on Monday, the final missing victim was discovered at a similar depth, according to the department. The sheriff's office said: 'The success of the search and recovery operations would not have been nearly as efficient without the assistance of our partner agencies.' According to ABC 7 News and Fox News, the wife of victim Pickles (who was with his parents Terry and Paula Bozinovich) had stayed home to care for their seven-month-old daughter at the time of the disaster. The group was celebrating his mother's 71st birthday on Lake Tahoe. Two other victims were also from California, Pickles' uncle Peter Bayes and Timothy O'Leary. The three remaining victims, Giullari, Guck, and Lindsay were visiting from NYC. In a June 24 statement, El Dorado's County Sheriff's Office said: 'These individuals were part of a closely connected family group enjoying a birthday gathering on the lake. 'We extend our deepest heartfelt condolences to the families of those who were lost and all those who have been affected by this tragic event.' But even boaters who managed to reach shore during the storm weren't out of danger as many suffered after falling into the frigid water, LA Times reported. A longtime Tahoe boater told the outlet: 'There was just a massive amount of people that were in hypothermia or shock. It was just a tragic day on Lake Tahoe.'
Daily Mail
28-06-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mail
Survivors of Lake Tahoe boating disaster credited for life-saving decision after 'freak storm' killed eight
The two survivors of the deadly Lake Tahoe tragedy that claimed eight lives were wearing life jackets at the time of their rescue. Ten boaters abroad a 27-foot gold Chris-Craft vessel set out the California side of Lake Tahoe last weekend, eager to enjoy a sun-drenched day on the water for a 71st birthday celebration. But the day turned fatal when a sudden, powerful storm erupted over the lake - unleashing eight-foot waves, pounding hail and torrential rain - that struck without warning and ultimately capsized their boat, claiming eight lives. The victims of the disaster were identified as: Paula Bozinovich, 71, Terry Pickles, 73, Joshua Antony Pickles, 37, Peter Bayes, 72, Timothy O'Leary, 71, Theresa Giullari, 66, James Guck, 69 and Stephen Lindsay, 63. However, the two unidentified individuals who survived the tsunami-like storm were revealed to be wearing life jackets when rescued, before being transported to a local hospital, according to a Facebook post from the Washoe County Sheriff's Hasty Team. 'The most common mistake boaters make it not being aware of the forecasted weather,' BM1 Justin Smith, executive petty officer of Coast Guard Station Lake Tahoe, said in a statement to Fox News Digital. 'Life jackets being worn continue to be the primary survivability factor,' he added. On the morning of June 21st, the conditions outside were perfect for a carefree weekend outing - clear skies, gentle breezes and steadily rising temperatures. Despite a slight chance of rain and thunderstorms - a common occurrence for seasoned boaters - hundreds still took to the water that day. But something shifted around 2pm - some boaters spotted whitecaps forming on the water, while others noticed the wind suddenly picking up, blowing fiercely from the north, as reported by The Los Angeles Times. From that moment, conditions deteriorated rapidly, transforming a calm day into a desperate race against time and nature - as eight-foot waves, 30-knot winds, snow and hail engulfed the lake within just minutes. 'It felt like we were in a tsunami that was starting,' Brittany Glick, who was on a nearby pontoon celebrating a bachelorette party, told NPR. 'I had never experienced anything like that.' 'It happened suddenly. The water was just screaming toward the shore,' Ms Brigantino, who was visiting the lake with friends, told BBC. 'It was bad.' Some vessels broke free from their moorings, while others sank or crashed into nearby piers. Several buoys were also washed ashore, according to the LA Times. Before many could reach shore amid the chaos, several boats capsized - hurling passengers into the raging, churning waters. At around 3pm, multiple people reported seeing a group in the water after their boat met the same fate - all while waves in the area at the time were around eight-feet high, according to a news release from the El Dorado Sheriff's Office. Both the sheriff's office and the Coast Guard swiftly responded to the shores of D.L. Bliss State Park, where they successfully rescued two individuals wearing flotation devices. 'Weather in the Tahoe Basin can be unpredictable and change quickly,' Smith warned boaters while speaking with Fox News. 'Mariners should be hesitant to operate in conditions where wind advisories or small craft advisories have been issued,' he added. A massive search-and-rescue operation involving multiple agencies was quickly launched to locate the remaining boaters, including North Tahoe Fire, California State Parks, the Washoe County Sheriff's Office, and the United States Coast Guard. The recovery operations also required advanced divers and specialized teams, including Wilderness Finder Search Dog Teams. Six bodies were recovered on the surface of the water near the capsized boat shortly after the storm, according to the Facebook post. The following day, the Washoe County Sheriff's Office responded to a request from the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office to assist in recovering the two remaining victims. An extensive underwater search was conducted by the Washoe County's Search and Rescue Hasty Team, the Specialized Vehicle Unit aboard Marine 10 and the Marine 9 crew, the department wrote. Both the sheriff's office and the Coast Guard swiftly responded to the shores of D.L. Bliss State Park, where they successfully rescued two individuals wearing flotation devices The search employed the team's Outland 1000 Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), equipped with multiple cameras, lights, onboard sonar, and an articulating claw - capable of diving to depths of up to 2,000 feet. That afternoon, a seventh victim was found at a depth of over 300 feet. Then, on Monday afternoon, the final missing boater was discovered deceased at a similar depth, bringing the death toll to eight, according to the department. 'The success of the search and recovery operations would not have been nearly as efficient without the assistance of our partner agencies,' the sheriff's office said. Among those who lost their lives was 37-year-old DoorDash executive Josh Pickles, along with his parents - 73-year-old Terry Pickles and 71-year-old Paula Bozinovich, ABC 7 News reported. Pickles' wife had stayed home taking care of their seven-month-old daughter at the time of the disaster, according to Fox News. The group was celebrating his mother's 71st birthday on Lake Tahoe. Two other victims were also from California: Josh Pickles' uncle, 72-year-old Peter Bayes, and 71-year-old Timothy O'Leary. The three remaining victims - 66-year-old Theresa Giullari, 69-year-old James Guck and 63-year-old Stephen Lindsay - were visiting from New York. 'These individuals were part of a closely connected family group enjoying a birthday gathering on the lake,' the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office said in a June 24 statement. 'We extend our deepest heartfelt condolences to the families of those who were lost and all those who have been affected by this tragic event.' But even boaters who managed to reach shore during the storm weren't out of danger - many suffered after falling into the frigid water, which remained below 60 degrees throughout the day, LA Times reported. 'There was just a massive amount of people that were in hypothermia or shock,' Joby Cefalu, a lifelong Tahoe boater, told the outlet. 'It was just a tragic day on Lake Tahoe.' Last weekend's tragedy is believed to be the deadliest boating incident in the Golden State since 2019, when a 75-foot boat caught fire and sank near Santa Cruz Island, killing 34 people.
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Sole survivors in Lake Tahoe boating disaster had one thing in common
A joyous family celebration turned into a harrowing tragedy over the weekend when a boat capsized during a sudden storm on Lake Tahoe, leaving eight people dead and two others hospitalized. The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office confirmed that the group had gathered for a 71st birthday celebration for Paula Bozinovich. The department identified the deceased as Bozinovich, 71, and her husband, Terry Pickles, 73, both of Redwood City, California; their son, Joshua Antony Pickles, 37, a San Francisco resident and DoorDash executive; and Peter Bayes, 72, of Lincoln, California, a close family relative. Also killed were four family friends: Timothy O'Leary, 71, of Auburn, California; Theresa Giullari, 66, and James Guck, 69, both of Honeoye, New York; and Stephen Lindsay, 63, of Springwater, New York. "These individuals were part of a closely connected family group enjoying a birthday gathering on the lake," the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office said in a June 24 statement. "We extend our deepest heartfelt condolences to the families of those who were lost and all those who have been affected by this tragic event." Multiple People Dead, 2 Missing After Boat Capsizes At Vacation Hotspot Read On The Fox News App The party had set out in a 27-foot gold Chris-Craft powerboat near D.L. Bliss State Park on Saturday, June 21, the department said. Initially greeted by clear skies and calm waters, the group's outing took a deadly turn when a powerful storm swept across the lake. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, winds reached 30 knots with swells as high as eight feet. The boat capsized just before 3 p.m., tossing all ten occupants into the frigid waters of Lake Tahoe. Two unidentified individuals survived the accident. Both were wearing life jackets when they were rescued and transported to a local hospital, the department said. "The most common mistake boaters make is not being aware of the forecasted weather," BM1 Justin Smith, executive petty officer of Coast Guard Station Lake Tahoe, said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "Life jackets being worn continue to be the primary survivability factor." Doordash Executive Among Victims In Lake Tahoe Boating Disaster Emergency response teams from multiple jurisdictions, including North Tahoe Fire, California State Parks, Washoe County Sheriff's Office, and the United States Coast Guard, mounted a massive search-and-rescue operation. In the wake of the tragedy, officials reiterated the importance of weather awareness, life jacket use and float plans. "Weather in the Tahoe Basin can be unpredictable and change quickly," warned Smith. "Mariners should be hesitant to operate in conditions where wind advisories or small craft advisories have been issued." Six bodies were recovered on the day of the incident. The remaining two were found in the days that followed, with the final recovery made on Monday afternoon. "The success of the search and recovery operations would not have been nearly as efficient without the assistance of our partner agencies," the sheriff's office said. The recovery operations also required advanced divers and specialized teams such as the Wilderness Finder Search Dog Teams, the department said. In a statement to Fox News Digital, DoorDash mourned the loss of Joshua Pickles, calling him "a cherished colleague and beloved friend whose energy and compassion will be deeply missed." "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," Josh Pickles' wife, Jordan Sugar-Carlsgaard, said in the statement Tuesday to the Associated Press. "Our hearts go out to those who tragically lost their lives and the two survivors of this unexpected and deadly storm on Lake Tahoe." Josh Pickles' wife had stayed at home taking care of their seven-month-old daughter, Sam Singer, a family spokesperson, told the outlet. The couple, who married in 2023, both worked at tech companies in San Francisco. Josh worked at DoorDash, and Jordan at Airbnb, Singer article source: Sole survivors in Lake Tahoe boating disaster had one thing in common
Fox News
27-06-2025
- Climate
- Fox News
Sole survivors in Lake Tahoe boating disaster had one thing in common
A joyous family celebration turned into a harrowing tragedy over the weekend when a boat capsized during a sudden storm on Lake Tahoe, leaving eight people dead and two others hospitalized. The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office confirmed that the group had gathered for a 71st birthday celebration for Paula Bozinovich. The department identified the deceased as Bozinovich, 71, and her husband, Terry Pickles, 73, both of Redwood City, California; their son, Joshua Antony Pickles, 37, a San Francisco resident and DoorDash executive; and Peter Bayes, 72, of Lincoln, California, a close family relative. Also killed were four family friends: Timothy O'Leary, 71, of Auburn, California; Theresa Giullari, 66, and James Guck, 69, both of Honeoye, New York; and Stephen Lindsay, 63, of Springwater, New York. "These individuals were part of a closely connected family group enjoying a birthday gathering on the lake," the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office said in a June 24 statement. "We extend our deepest heartfelt condolences to the families of those who were lost and all those who have been affected by this tragic event." The party had set out in a 27-foot gold Chris-Craft powerboat near D.L. Bliss State Park on Saturday, June 21, the department said. Initially greeted by clear skies and calm waters, the group's outing took a deadly turn when a powerful storm swept across the lake. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, winds reached 30 knots with swells as high as eight feet. The boat capsized just before 3 p.m., tossing all ten occupants into the frigid waters of Lake Tahoe. Two unidentified individuals survived the accident. Both were wearing life jackets when they were rescued and transported to a local hospital, the department said. "The most common mistake boaters make is not being aware of the forecasted weather," BM1 Justin Smith, executive petty officer of Coast Guard Station Lake Tahoe, said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "Life jackets being worn continue to be the primary survivability factor." Emergency response teams from multiple jurisdictions, including North Tahoe Fire, California State Parks, Washoe County Sheriff's Office, and the United States Coast Guard, mounted a massive search-and-rescue operation. In the wake of the tragedy, officials reiterated the importance of weather awareness, life jacket use and float plans. "Weather in the Tahoe Basin can be unpredictable and change quickly," warned Smith. "Mariners should be hesitant to operate in conditions where wind advisories or small craft advisories have been issued." Six bodies were recovered on the day of the incident. The remaining two were found in the days that followed, with the final recovery made on Monday afternoon. "The success of the search and recovery operations would not have been nearly as efficient without the assistance of our partner agencies," the sheriff's office said. The recovery operations also required advanced divers and specialized teams such as the Wilderness Finder Search Dog Teams, the department said. In a statement to Fox News Digital, DoorDash mourned the loss of Joshua Pickles, calling him "a cherished colleague and beloved friend whose energy and compassion will be deeply missed." "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," Josh Pickles' wife, Jordan Sugar-Carlsgaard, said in the statement Tuesday to the Associated Press. "Our hearts go out to those who tragically lost their lives and the two survivors of this unexpected and deadly storm on Lake Tahoe." Josh Pickles' wife had stayed at home taking care of their seven-month-old daughter, Sam Singer, a family spokesperson, told the outlet. The couple, who married in 2023, both worked at tech companies in San Francisco. Josh worked at DoorDash, and Jordan at Airbnb, Singer said.
