8 Dead In California’s Worst Boat Crash In Years; DoorDash Executive Among Victims

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

SAN FRANCISCO, USA (Worthy News) – An executive of American global restaurant and grocery delivery service DoorDash was among eight family members and friends who died in the U.S. state of California’s worst boating accident since 2019.

Executive Josh Pickles, 37, of San Francisco, and his parents, 73-year-old Terry Pickles and 71-year-old Paula Bozinovich from Redwood City, died after their boat capsized over the weekend in Lake Tahoe, confirmed the Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Coroner’s Division.

Two other victims were from California, including Peter Bayes, 72, from Lincoln, and 71-year-old Timothy O’Leary from Auburn.

There were also three victims from New York named as 66-year-old Theresa Giullari and 69-year-old James Guck from Honeoye, as well as Stephen Lindsay, 63, from Springwater.

Two other people on board survived, but their condition is unknown.

Josh Pickles was the global head of strategic sourcing and procurement within the finance team of San Francisco-based DoorDash, the company announced.

Through its subsidiary, Wolt, the firm operates in the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and various European countries.

TRAGIC ACCIDENT

“We are heartbroken by the tragic accident that took the life of our beloved colleague, Josh Pickles. Josh loved his team and inspired everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” DoorDash stressed. DoorDash stressed.

“During his nearly seven years at DoorDash, he brought a contagious spirit that lifted those around him. The loss of Josh is immeasurable. We miss him deeply and will carry his memory with us always.”

The company added: “Our thoughts and love are with his wife, his daughter, his family, and all who were close to him. We are working to support them through this incredibly difficult time.”

Bayes was Josh Pickles’ uncle, explained family spokesperson Sam Singer, adding that the boat belonged to Josh Pickles and his wife.

“This is a terrible, heartbreaking tragedy that took the lives of Joshua Pickles, his father Terry, his mother Paula, his uncle Peter, as well as friends and family. All of whom were out on the lake celebrating the 71st birthday of his mother,” Singer said.

“The family has homes in the Bay Area as well as on Lake Tahoe. They love the lake. That adds to the tragedy that has occurred.”

STORMY WEATHER

While stormy weather was forecast, the intensity of the weather surprised people in the area, as waves reached 8 to 10 feet (3 meters).

Jordan Sugar-Carlsgaard, the widow of Josh Pickles, who did not join, said in published remarks that the group had been enjoying a “joyful time” on the lake before the storm turned deadly.

She called the loss “devastating.”

“No words can express the pain and anguish we feel knowing their lives were lost.”

She expressed “gratitude” for the U.S. Coast Guard, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office ,and other first responders for their “profound” support during the search and recovery efforts.

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