NTSB: Lake Tahoe Boating Accident Victims Not Wearing Life Jackets
A preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has confirmed that none of the eight people who died in a boating accident on Lake Tahoe on June 21, 2025, were wearing life jackets. The incident involved a 28-foot Chris-Craft vessel named "Over the Moon," which capsized on the lake's western edge.
Details of the Incident: Sudden Weather Change Led to Capsizing
According to the NTSB report released on July 23, 2025, the boat, carrying 10 people celebrating a birthday, departed from the marina around noon under calm weather conditions. However, the weather rapidly deteriorated within approximately two hours. Winds increased significantly, creating waves estimated at 8-10 feet and causing marble-sized hail.
Overwhelmed by a Large Wave: Boat Flips, Eight Fatalities
As the boat attempted to return to shore amidst the worsening conditions, it became overwhelmed with water. A particularly large wave ultimately caused the vessel to capsize, leading to the tragic deaths of eight individuals.
Survivors: One Wearing a Life Vest, Another Clinging to One
Of the two survivors rescued from the water, one was wearing a life vest, while the other was clinging to one. The NTSB report noted that one survivor attempted to distribute life jackets to others on board, but no one else immediately put them on before the boat capsized.
No Distress Calls Made: Hikers Alerted Authorities
The NTSB report further revealed that no distress calls were made from the boat before it capsized. Hikers on the shore witnessed the incident and promptly contacted 911, initiating rescue efforts.
Recovery Efforts: Six Found on Day of Accident, Two Later Recovered
Initial recovery efforts on the day of the accident resulted in the discovery of six deceased individuals. Over the following days, the bodies of the remaining two victims were recovered from the bottom of the lake. The NTSB confirmed that none of the deceased were wearing life vests at the time they were found.
Recovery of Life Jackets: More Safety Equipment on Board Than Used
Authorities recovered four life vests and one life preserver ring from the accident site, indicating that life jackets were available on the boat, but not used by the majority of passengers.
NTSB Investigation: Toxicology Tests and Vessel Examination Underway
The NTSB's investigation into the boating accident is ongoing. Toxicology tests are being conducted on the deceased to determine if alcohol or drugs played a role. Additionally, electronic systems, bilge pumps, and the fuel filter from the recovered vessel are being examined for potential contributing factors. The report stated that no evidence of a hull leak or impact was found during the initial inspection.
Victims Identified: Family Celebration Turns to Tragedy
The eight victims included four members of a family celebrating a birthday: DoorDash executive Josh Pickles, his parents Terry Pickles and Paula Bozinovich, and his uncle Peter Bayes. Family friends were also among the deceased.
Authorities Involved: Multi-Agency Response to the Incident
The U.S. Coast Guard, El Dorado County Sheriff's Office, and other local law enforcement and fire agencies were involved in the rescue and recovery efforts, supporting the lead investigative agency, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Lake Tahoe Boating Regulations: Life Jackets and Boating Cards
Boating on Lake Tahoe is regulated by both California and Nevada laws. These regulations mandate that a Coast Guard-approved life jacket must be carried for each person on board and must be readily accessible. Children under 13 are required to wear life jackets at all times on a moving vessel. As of January 1, 2025, all motorized vessel operators on Lake Tahoe are required to possess a California or Nevada boating card.
Community Impact: Renewed Focus on Boating Safety
The tragic accident has intensified discussions within the Lake Tahoe boating community regarding safety measures. Authorities are urging boaters to adhere to speed limits and, most importantly, to wear life jackets at all times while on the water.
Weather Data Confirms Sudden Shift: High Winds and Large Waves
A nearby weather station recorded a top wind gust of 39 mph (62 kph) around the time of the accident, corroborating the report's description of waves reaching 8-10 feet. This data underscores the sudden and severe change in weather conditions that contributed to the capsizing.
Family Statement: Tragedy Confirmed by NTSB Findings
Through a spokesperson, Jordan Sugar-Carlsgaard, Josh Pickles' widow, expressed profound thanks to first responders and good Samaritans, stating that the NTSB report "confirms the deep tragedy of this accident."
US Coast Guard Statistics: Life Jacket Usage a Critical Factor
According to the US Coast Guard's 2023 statistics, in cases where the cause of death was known, 75% of fatal boating accident victims drowned. Critically, among those drowning victims with reported life jacket usage, 87% were not wearing a life jacket.
Public Safety Campaigns: Renewed Emphasis on Life Jacket Use
The clear finding that the victims were not wearing life jackets has intensified public safety campaigns emphasizing the importance of life jacket use. This is especially crucial given that life jackets were reportedly on board the "Over the Moon," but not worn by most passengers.
Unforeseen Weather: The Importance of Preparation
The unexpected and rapid deterioration of weather conditions on Lake Tahoe highlights the critical importance of checking weather forecasts and being prepared for sudden changes, even on seemingly calm days.
