On a tragic Saturday, a sudden windstorm off Lake Tahoe led to a boating accident that claimed the lives of eight individuals, including Josh Pickles, a 37-year-old executive at DoorDash, along with his family members Terry Pickles, 73, and Paula Bozinovich, 71. The California-based family was out on their 27-foot powerboat celebrating Bozinovich’s 71st birthday when the vessel was overwhelmed by fierce winds and 8-foot waves, resulting in a catastrophic capsizing. The incident has been particularly heartbreaking given the family’s strong ties to the area, with homes both in the Bay Area and at Lake Tahoe.
Family spokesperson Sam Singer shared the weight of the tragedy, noting the family’s affection for the lake, which made the loss even more profound. The group consisted of eight people, and while the majority perished in the storm, two passengers survived but required hospitalization due to hypothermia and other injuries. The fatalities also include Pickles’ uncle Peter Bayes, 72, and several family friends, indicating the depth of sorrow engulfing those connected to the victims.
Josh Pickles had played a significant role at DoorDash, serving as the global head of strategic sourcing and procurement in the finance department for nearly seven years. His loss is profoundly felt within the company. Ravi Inukonda, DoorDash’s CFO, expressed his disbelief over how the organization would adapt without Pickles, describing him as an inspiring presence who connected deeply with his team. Inukonda’s statement reflects the collective grief of colleagues who considered him a mentor and friend, underscoring the impact he had both personally and professionally.
Pickles leaves behind his wife, Jordan Sugar-Carlsgaard, and their 7-month-old daughter. Sugar-Carlsgaard, who is also an executive assistant at Airbnb, was not on the boat during the incident as she chose to remain on shore to care for their infant daughter. The emotional toll of the event has weighed heavily on her, as articulated in her statement expressing an incomprehensible sense of loss. The contrast between the joyous occasion of his mother’s birthday celebration and the ensuing tragedy serves as a cruel reminder of life’s unpredictability.
The family had just acquired the Chris-Craft boat last year and had only used it a couple of times prior to this fateful outing, further emphasizing the devastating irony of their situation. This tragic event marks the deadliest boating accident in California since a 2019 incident that resulted in the loss of 34 lives due to a boat fire. The somber milestone serves as a reminder of the latent dangers that can arise during seemingly joyful moments on the water.
As the community and family mourn, the memory of those lost continues to resonate deeply with friends, relatives, and colleagues. The combined feelings of grief and disbelief highlight the interwoven lives of the victims, the joy of family gatherings, and the tragic unpredictability of nature. The loss of Josh Pickles and his family marks a profound absence that will leave an indelible impact on all who knew them.
