Eight people died when a surprise storm caused dangerous waves on Lake Tahoe, located along the California-Nevada border, overturning boats and throwing passengers into the cold water.
The incident occurred during what was initially a perfect summer day for a family outing. Josh Pickles, a DoorDash executive, had taken family and friends on his boat to celebrate his mother’s 71st birthday, while his wife, Jordan Sugar-Carlsgaard, remained home with their infant daughter.
However, a sudden storm struck on Saturday afternoon, catching even seasoned Tahoe residents off guard. The storm brought thunder, lightning, and heavy rain, with waves reported to reach heights of eight feet.
Tragically, Mr. Pickles’s 27-foot boat capsized, resulting in the deaths of him, his parents, and five guests. Ms. Sugar-Carlsgaard, now a widow with a seven-month-old baby, expressed her devastation over the loss.
Mr. Pickles was an experienced sailor, but the boat was new to him, having only operated it twice prior. The couple divided their time between homes in the Tahoe region and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America, is a popular destination for various recreational activities, with ski resorts and luxury homes surrounding it.
Prior to the accident, a wind advisory was in effect due to a cold air mass approaching from the Gulf of Alaska, warning of “choppy lake waters.” Although winds calmed after sunrise, temperatures remained unusually low for the season, creating unstable atmospheric conditions.
By the afternoon, thunderstorms developed, bringing an unexpected mix of rain and snow. Experts noted that forecasting such storms can be challenging.
Witnesses reported a rapid change in weather conditions, with one local boat training school owner sensing the impending storm. Just after 2 p.m., high winds struck the area, leading to dangerous conditions on the lake.
Despite the severe weather, the National Weather Service did not classify the storm as severe, as it did not meet the criteria for issuing a warning.
Several boaters found themselves in distress as conditions worsened. One couple struggled to keep their boat afloat as water surged over the back. Emergency responders were dispatched to assist those in trouble.
Shortly before 3 p.m., the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office received multiple calls regarding the capsized boat. Of the ten individuals on board, two were rescued, while six bodies were recovered from the water, with two more found in the following days.
The victims included Mr. Pickles, his parents, and several family friends. Mr. Pickles, 37, had been a senior director at DoorDash for nearly seven years and was remembered fondly by colleagues.