A devastating boating accident on Lake Tahoe claimed the lives of eight people on June 21, 2025, including DoorDash executive Josh Pickles and his parents. The 27-foot Chris-Craft vessel, carrying ten passengers, capsized near D.L. Bliss State Park during a sudden and violent storm that brought waves up to eight feet high. Only two passengers survived and were transported to local hospitals, while search and recovery operations continued for the remaining victims.

Josh Pickles, 37, was the global head of strategic sourcing and procurement at DoorDash, where he had worked for nearly seven years. He was accompanied by his parents, 73-year-old Terry Pickles and 71-year-old Paula Bozinovich, both from Redwood City. The group had gathered on the lake to celebrate Paula’s 71st birthday, turning what was meant to be a joyful occasion into a tragedy.

The other victims included Peter Bayes, 72, from Lincoln, CA; Timothy O’Leary, 71, from Auburn, CA; Theresa Giullari, 66, and James Guck, 69, both from Honeoye, NY; and Stephen Lindsay, 63, from Springwater, NY. According to family spokespersons, Josh was an experienced sailor, but the boat was relatively new to him and this was its first outing of the season. The storm’s suddenness caught even seasoned locals off guard, unleashing thunder, lightning, and even snow.

DoorDash and the victims’ families expressed profound grief. Ravi Inukonda, DoorDash’s CFO, described Josh as “an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” adding that his loss is “immeasurable.” Josh is survived by his wife, Jordan Sugar-Carlsgaard, and their seven-month-old daughter. The company and the community have pledged support to the bereaved families during this incredibly difficult time.