Families and friends have since shared their grief and memories. Pickles’ wife, who stayed on shore with their infant daughter, expressed heartbreak over the loss. DoorDash leadership paid tribute to Pickles’ legacy, praising his leadership and warmth. Other victims, like retired plumber Timothy O’Leary and beloved family man Stephen Lindsay, were remembered for their devotion and kindness. The Sheriff’s Office extended condolences to all families and thanked first responders for their swift efforts.
While Lake Tahoe mourned its worst boating tragedy in recent memory, another water-related death occurred weeks earlier in Texas. Ava Moore, an 18-year-old U.S. Air Force Preparatory School student, was fatally struck by a jet ski while kayaking. The operator fled but was later identified and arrested. Both tragedies underscore the dangers that can arise unexpectedly on the water — and the heartbreak left in their wake.