Investigators Uncover Details of Fatal Lake Tahoe Boating Incident
A tragic boating accident claimed the lives of eight vacationers on Lake Tahoe, and federal investigators are now digging into the details. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a preliminary report shedding light on the June mishap.
The victims were not wearing life jackets when the boat capsized amid 8-foot waves near Tahoe’s west shore. Two survivors were pulled from the water, one wearing a flotation device and the other holding onto one.
The boat, Over the Moon, was operated by 73-year-old Terry Pickles. He and his wife, Paula Bozinovich, were celebrating her 71st birthday. Their son, Josh Pickles, a DoorDash executive, was among the ten people aboard. Friends and family joined from different parts of Northern California and New York.
The group departed from Tahoe City, adding more passengers at a second marina. The 28-foot Chris-Craft boat, built in 2023, traveled south along the lake’s western shore, reaching Emerald Bay, a scenic spot known for its stunning views and clear waters.
Initially, the group enjoyed mild conditions during their stop at Emerald Bay, with clear skies and gentle winds. Although there was a forecast of possible thunderstorms, no warnings were issued by the National Weather Service.
By 2 p.m., the weather changed dramatically, with clouds gathering and winds picking up. Terry Pickles attempted to return to the marina but was forced back by the worsening conditions. A second attempt to leave the bay was made shortly thereafter.
According to a survivor’s account, as the boat headed north, waves grew to 2-3 feet, accompanied by hail. Conditions worsened, with waves reaching up to 10 feet and snow falling as winds hit 40 mph.
As Over the Moon struggled in the choppy waters, its engine failed, leaving it at the mercy of the waves. The vessel eventually capsized, dumping all passengers into the frigid lake waters. Despite efforts to distribute flotation devices, none of the others wore them, and distress calls weren’t made.
Nearby hikers witnessed the tragedy and alerted authorities just before 3 p.m. Rescuers, including a lifeguard, saved the two survivors. “Six of the recovered people (one of whom was the operator) were pronounced deceased on scene, some following CPR efforts,” as per the NTSB report. The remaining two bodies were found the next day, along with flotation devices.
The sudden storm, characterized as a microburst, abated quickly, leaving behind a clear sky by evening. The ongoing investigation is being conducted by both the U.S. Coast Guard and the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office.
This story originally published on KQED’s website on July 23, 2025.
