Lake Tahoe Tragedy: Authorities Identify 8 Victims in Devastating Boat Capsizing During Sudden Storm

Lake Tahoe Tragedy: Authorities Identify 8 Victims in Devastating Boat Capsizing During Sudden Storm

LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA — A quiet afternoon on one of America’s most beloved lakes turned tragic on Saturday, June 21, 2025, when a powerful and fast-moving storm capsized a boat near D.L. Bliss State Park, claiming the lives of eight people. The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office has now released the names of the victims, as families and communities across California and New York begin to grapple with this heartbreaking loss.

🕯️ The Victims Remembered

All eight victims have now been identified as follows:

• Paula Bozinovich, 71, of Redwood City, California

• Terry Pickles, 73, of Redwood City, California

• Joshua Antony Pickles, 37, of San Francisco, California

• Peter Bayes, 72, of Lincoln, California

• Timothy O’Leary, 71, of Auburn, California

• Theresa Giullari, 66, of Honeoye, New York

• James Guck, 69, of Honeoye, New York

• Stephen Lindsay, 63, of Springwater, New York

These individuals, many of whom were family or longtime friends, were reportedly enjoying a day on Lake Tahoe aboard a 27-foot Chris-Craft vessel when disaster struck. In a statement posted on Tuesday, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office said:

“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 Incident

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the boat capsized suddenly near the southwest shore of Lake Tahoe, close to D.L. Bliss State Park, around 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. Although weather forecasts had warned of light rain, no one expected the magnitude of what followed.
Meteorologist Matthew Chyba of the National Weather Service in Reno explained:

“A sudden and severe squall developed with very little warning. Winds topped 35 miles per hour, and waves surged beyond 8 feet in height—far higher than what recreational boats are typically prepared to handle.”

The fierce storm caught the vessel off guard. Ten people were on board. As the boat overturned:

• Two people were rescued from the water immediately.

• Six bodies were recovered later Saturday evening.

• One body was recovered Sunday evening.

• The final victim was found by divers on Monday afternoon, following an extensive search coordinated by the U.S. Coast Guard, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, and local authorities.

🚨 Emergency Response

Following reports of the overturned vessel, emergency crews responded swiftly:

• Divers and rescue boats were dispatched to search the cold and turbulent waters.

• Air support was deployed to aid in the search and recovery operations.

• Bystanders and nearby boaters attempted initial rescue efforts while braving the same violent conditions.

The recovery operation spanned three days, with visibility and conditions on the lake making the search painstaking and emotionally taxing for all involved.

🌊 A Lake Turned Dangerous

Lake Tahoe, often described as a jewel of the Sierra Nevada, is no stranger to sudden weather changes. However, the June 21 squall was exceptionally intense and largely unanticipated.
According to Chyba,

“It was one of the more violent wind-driven squalls we’ve seen in the region in recent years. While thunderstorms are not uncommon, the wind speed and wave height developed in minutes.”

Officials are urging boaters and recreational visitors to remain cautious and aware of weather alerts, even when skies appear calm.

💔 Mourning Across States

As the nation hears of this tragedy, two communities are mourning especially deeply: Redwood City and San Francisco, California, and Honeoye and Springwater, New York.

The victims ranged in age from their 30s to 70s, spanning generations. Some were retirees enjoying time with friends, others were in the midst of busy family and professional lives. The emotional toll is significant, with neighbors and family friends holding vigils, sharing memories, and expressing collective sorrow for lives lost too soon.

🕊️ A Call for Remembrance and Safety

This tragedy has left lasting scars, not just for those who knew the victims personally, but also for the broader community of Lake Tahoe visitors who cherish the lake’s natural beauty.

In their statement, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office reiterated the importance of lake safety and weather vigilance, saying:

“Our hope is that this tragedy will serve as a reminder of how quickly conditions can change and how fragile life can be. Let us remember and honor those we have lost by committing ourselves to greater caution, and by cherishing the people around us.”

💐 Final Words

Eight lives ended too soon. Eight families now face an unimaginable void. As communities light candles and hold each other close, the memories of Paula, Terry, Joshua, Peter, Timothy, Theresa, James, and Stephen will live on through those they loved and inspired.

May their spirits rest in peace, and may their legacy serve as both a caution and a reminder of the beauty and unpredictability of nature.