Survivors of Lake Tahoe boating tragedy identified

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Two women who survived a Lake Tahoe boating tragedy were identified through a GoFundMe page as Amy Friduss, and her mother, Julie Lindsay.

The mother and daughter were among 10 people onboard a boat celebrating a Redwood City woman’s birthday when a severe thunderstorm hit June 21. Eight victims drowned after their Chris-Craft boat capsized near D.L. Bliss State Park, U.S. Coast Guard officials said.

According to the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, the two survivors were wearing life jackets when rescue teams found them in the water.

“A sudden and destructive storm blew over Lake Tahoe, causing mayhem. The two passengers who were wearing Personal Flotation Devices were rescued by responding emergency personnel,” WCSO wrote.

Friduss and Lindsay were rushed to a hospital. Friduss’ father, 63-year-old Stephen Lindsay, never made it back to shore.

“Steve ‘Zippy’ Lindsay, Julie’s beloved husband, Amy’s favorite dad, and the unofficial mayor of Honeoye (New York), was quick with a big smile, a hug and a joke for everyone. Physically, both mother and daughter are on the mend, but are dealing with the heartbreaking loss,” the GoFundMe page writes.

“Now, it’s just Amy and her mom left to face the unthinkable — broken hearts, unanswered questions, and the difficulty of life with only memories to hold onto,” the page states.

The thunderstorm whipped up 35-mph winds and 8-foot-high waves, USCG officials said. Lake Tahoe’s average water temperature this June has been between 57-58 degrees, according to SeaTemperature.net.

Law enforcement officials declined to answer questions about how many people were wearing life jackets on the boat. The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office said two bodies were found 300 feet below the lake’s surface, while six bodies were found “on the surface near the capsized boat.”

The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Coroner’s Division identified the seven additional drowning victims as:

• Joshua Pickles, 37, of San Francisco
• Paula Bozinovich, 71, of Redwood City, Calif.
• Terry Pickles, 73, of Redwood City, Calif.
• Peter Bayes, 72, of Lincoln, Calif.
• Timothy O’Leary, 71, of Auburn, Calif.
• Theresa Giullari, 66, of Honeoye, NY
• James Guck, 69, of Honeoye, NY

All of the victims were on vacation together celebrating Bozinovich’s 71st birthday. Bozinovich’s son, Joshua Pickles, worked as a San Francisco tech company executive, most recently serving as senior global director for DoorDash.

Joshua Pickles’ widow and their 7-month-old baby did not join the group for boating on the lake. The widow wrote, “No words can express the pain and anguish we feel knowing their lives were lost during what was meant to be a joyful time.”

The GoFundMe page is raising donations to support Friduss and Lindsay as they continue to grieve. “Hold your loved ones tight. Be kind. Embrace every moment of this beautiful, fragile life,” the page states.