DoorDash executive Josh Pickles has died in a Lake Tahoe boating accident. He was 37 years old.
Josh was among the eight people who lost their lives after his boat capsized in Lake Tahoe, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Coroner’s Division confirmed to ABC 7 News. His parents, Terry Pickles and Paula Bozinovich, who were on board, also died in the Saturday, June 21, accident, along with his uncle Peter Bayes.
Other victims were identified as Timothy O’Leary, Theresa Giullari, James Guck and Stephen Lindsay.
The family had gone out on the 27-foot boat to celebrate Bozinovich’s 71st birthday. Police received 911 calls around 5 p.m. saying that the boat had capsized. Two people survived the accident and were taken to the hospital after they were rescued from the water.
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“The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest heartfelt condolences to the families of those who were lost and all those who have been affected by this tragic event,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement shared via Facebook, also thanking the crews who helped assist in the search, rescue and recovery mission.
The freshwater lake, located between the California-Nevada border, was reportedly experiencing stormy weather patterns and high winds leading up to the accident.
“The waves were so big that the water came onboard and started to fill the boat up and stalled the engine,” family spokesperson Sam Singer said, per NBC News.
Singer said that the family all had homes in the area and frequented the lake.
“They love the lake,” he shared. “That adds to the tragedy that has occurred.”
Josh’s wife, Jordan Sugar-Carlsgaard, was not on board the boat at the time of the accident, as she opted to skip the trip to stay on shore with their 7-month-old daughter.
“We are devastated by 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,” she said in a statement to ABC 7 News. “Our hearts go out to those who tragically lost their lives and the two survivors of this unexpected and deadly storm on Lake Tahoe.”
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Josh was the global head of strategic sourcing and procurement for DoorDash’s finance team. He had worked at the company for nearly seven years before his death. The company released a statement remembering the late businessman.
“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,” DoorDash chief financial officer Ravi Inukonda said in a statement. “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. 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.”
