Jordan Sugar-Carlsgaard Airbnb Boat Accident – Lake Tahoe Boating Tragedy Claims Lives of San Francisco DoorDash Executive and Family Members
A devastating boating accident on Lake Tahoe over the weekend has claimed the lives of eight individuals, including a San Francisco-based DoorDash executive, his parents, and close family friends. The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office confirmed on Tuesday the identities of those lost in the tragic incident, which occurred Saturday during a sudden and violent storm near D.L. Bliss State Park.
Among the victims was 37-year-old Josh Pickles, the global head of strategic sourcing and procurement at DoorDash. Also lost were his parents, 73-year-old Terry Pickles and 71-year-old Paula Bozinovich of Redwood City, and uncle Peter Bayes, 72, of Lincoln, California. The group had gathered at Lake Tahoe to celebrate Paula’s 71st birthday, according to a family spokesperson.
The other victims included Timothy O’Leary, 71, of Auburn, CA; Theresa Giullari, 66, and James Guck, 69, both of Honeoye, NY; and Stephen Lindsay, 63, of Springwater, NY. The Sheriff’s Office initially reported that six people had died, two had been rescued, and two were missing.
A massive search effort, involving the U.S. Coast Guard and multiple local agencies, led to the recovery of the remaining victims on Sunday evening and Monday afternoon.
The powerboat had been enjoying calm conditions earlier in the day before the weather turned dangerous with little warning. According to Coop Cooper, manager of Camp Richardson marina, the lake saw an extreme and sudden shift in conditions with 8-foot waves and wind gusts reaching 45 mph within just 45 minutes. “I’ve never seen anything like this in Lake Tahoe,” Cooper remarked, highlighting the storm’s unusual and deadly intensity.
The tragedy has left families and communities in mourning, particularly those connected to Josh Pickles, who had built a stellar career at DoorDash. In a heartfelt statement, Ravi Inukonda, DoorDash’s Chief Financial Officer, paid tribute to Josh:
“We are heartbroken by the tragic accident that took the life of our beloved colleague, Josh Pickles. Josh loved his team and was an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. During his nearly seven years at DoorDash, he brought a contagious spirit that lifted those around him… We miss him deeply and will carry his memory with us always.”
Josh’s wife, Jordan Sugar-Carlsgaard, a senior executive assistant to the CEO of Airbnb, issued a deeply emotional statement on Tuesday.
“We are devastated by this tragedy. 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. 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.”
Jordan remained onshore with the couple’s 7-month-old daughter, according to family spokesman Sam Singer. The couple had split their time between homes in the Bay Area and Lake Tahoe, cherishing time together as new parents. Singer described the gathering as a birthday celebration turned tragic in a matter of moments.
The accident is now being described as Lake Tahoe’s deadliest boating incident in recent memory, and the worst in California since the 2019 fire aboard the dive boat Conception, which claimed 34 lives. The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office expressed its condolences to all affected families, calling the incident “a tragic event that has deeply impacted the community.”
As family, friends, and colleagues grieve this tremendous loss, tributes continue to pour in remembering the victims not just for their careers or roles, but for the warmth, joy, and love they brought into the world.
