None of the Eight Victims in Lake Tahoe Boat Capsizing Wore Life Vests [WATCH]

Federal investigators confirmed Wednesday that none of the eight people who died when a boat capsized during a severe storm last month on Lake Tahoe were wearing life vests, as reported by The New York Post.

According to a preliminary report released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the 28-foot Chris-Craft vessel was carrying 10 people on June 21 when it overturned during a sudden thunderstorm that produced 10-foot waves on the lake’s western edge.

Four of the victims were members of the same family, who had been celebrating a birthday that day.

UPDATE from @NTSB: 8 people who died in Lake Tahoe boating accident on 6/21 were NOT wearing life jackets. @DoorDash exec Josh Pickles and his parents among the victims. 2 people survived (1 wearing PFD and other clinging to one). @nbcbayarea https://t.co/l2YqaMCNoa pic.twitter.com/eRF8cAAjfV

— Raj Mathai (@rajmathai) July 23, 2025

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The group launched the boat around noon from a marina under relatively calm weather conditions, but within two hours the situation on the water changed rapidly.

According to the NTSB, wind speeds increased, whitecaps formed, and by approximately 2:30 p.m., hail began falling as the boat attempted to return to shore.

Boats crashed, rocked, and sank as a strong storm slammed South Lake Tahoe over the weekend. Waves up to 8 feet were reported. pic.twitter.com/cax4v845yZ

— AccuWeather (@accuweather) June 23, 2025

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“The boat took on water and some of the passengers attempted to bail the water out of the boat,” the report stated. “At one point, a particularly large wave overtook the boat.”

Two passengers survived. One was found wearing a life vest, while the other was clinging to one when rescued. The remaining eight passengers were pronounced dead—six were recovered the same day, and two more were found the following morning.

The report noted that no distress calls were made from the vessel before it capsized. The accident was witnessed by hikers onshore, who called 911 after seeing the boat flip in the rough water.

In total, four life vests and one life preserver ring were recovered from the scene, none of which were in use by the deceased. Toxicology tests for alcohol and drugs were conducted for all who died, and results are pending.

A nearby weather station recorded wind gusts up to 39 mph around the time of the accident. Snow was observed along the shoreline during the storm. By 4:00 p.m., the storm had passed, and skies were reported clear by 5:30 p.m.

A new NTSB report about the deadly Tahoe capsizing that killed eight people lays out a timeline of the deadly June day which began from Tahoe City that morning. One of two survivors revealed that she had put on a life jacket before the capsizing and passed out life jackets to… pic.twitter.com/2DbaIETyVI

— ABC7 News (@abc7newsbayarea) July 24, 2025

South Lake Tahoe Police Lt. Scott Crivelli said that while Lake Tahoe experiences an average of six deaths per summer, large-scale boating fatalities are rare. The worst recent year for fatalities was 2021, when 15 deaths were reported.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities review weather data, toxicology reports, and boating safety compliance.

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