Lake Tahoe Tragedy Final Victim Found After Deadly Storm Capsizes Boat

Lake Tahoe Boat Tragedy: Death Toll Rises to Eight After Sudden Storm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The serene beauty of Lake Tahoe has been overshadowed by tragedy as the body of the last missing person was recovered on Monday, following a devastating boating accident during a sudden and powerful weekend thunderstorm. The grim discovery brings the total death toll to eight, marking a heartbreaking end to the search and rescue efforts.

The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon near D.L. Bliss State Park, along the lake's southwest edge. A 27-foot (8-meter) gold Chris-Craft vessel, carrying ten people, capsized when the unexpected storm unleashed its fury, whipping up dangerously high waves. The U.S. Coast Guard immediately responded, initiating a search and rescue operation.

Here's a breakdown of the rescue and recovery efforts:

• Immediate Rescue: Two individuals were rescued shortly after the boat capsized and were promptly transported to a local hospital. Their condition remains unknown.
• Saturday's Recoveries: Search teams recovered six bodies later on Saturday, amidst challenging weather conditions.
• Sunday's Find: The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office reported the discovery of a seventh body on Sunday evening.
• Monday's Conclusion: Divers located and recovered the final missing body on Monday afternoon, bringing a somber close to the search.

Sgt. Kyle Parker of the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office stated that the names of the victims will be withheld until all family members have been properly notified, respecting their privacy during this incredibly difficult time.

While accidental deaths, including drownings, are not uncommon on Lake Tahoe, boating accidents resulting in such significant loss of life are rare. The South Lake Tahoe Police Department reported an average of six deaths on the lake each summer in 2022, although a record 15 fatalities occurred in 2021. Updated figures are currently unavailable.

The Unforeseen Ferocity of the Storm
The intensity of the thunderstorm caught many off guard, including seasoned weather forecasters. Matthew Chyba, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Reno, Nevada, explained that while some rain was anticipated, the squall that struck the southern part of the lake around 3 p.m. far exceeded expectations. Winds reached speeds of over 35 mph (56 kph), and waves surged to heights exceeding 8 feet (2.5 meters).

"We weren't expecting it to be so strong," Chyba admitted. He further noted that unusually low temperatures for this time of year may have contributed to the instability of the air mass, exacerbating the storm's severity.

Eight-foot waves are considered "pretty significant" on Lake Tahoe, according to Chyba, emphasizing the immense power of the storm and its impact on the lake's surface.

Lake Tahoe, renowned for its pristine beauty and strikingly cold waters, is a beloved summer destination for boaters, kayakers, and paddleboarders. Straddling the border between California and Nevada, it is one of the deepest lakes in the United States, second only to Oregon's Crater Lake.

Authorities have yet to release details regarding the identities of the individuals aboard the capsized vessel or whether the boat was rented or privately owned.

A First-Hand Account of the Storm's Fury

Brittany Glick, who was on a rented pontoon boat with seven others celebrating a bachelorette party, recounted her harrowing experience. What began as a sunny day quickly turned ominous as the wind intensified, and the waves grew larger. The temperature plummeted, and visibility diminished rapidly.

"It felt like we were in a tsunami that was starting. I have never experienced anything like that," Glick shared. After an hour of navigating increasingly treacherous waters, the boat returned to the dock amidst a hailstorm.

"We were shaken up seeing all the boats flipped," Glick continued. "And being drenched in that water, we were so cold. We were shaking uncontrollably. Our feet were numb, and our toes were turning blue. That was probably one of the scariest moments I've had in my 30 years. The storm came in so quick. It was terrifying."

Video footage obtained by KCRA-TV depicted moored boats at a nearby marina colliding with each other amidst the powerful gusts of wind, further illustrating the storm's destructive force.

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather and the importance of exercising caution, staying informed, and being prepared when enjoying outdoor recreational activities, especially on large bodies of water. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those who lost their lives in this devastating accident.

Tags: Lake Tahoe, boat capsizes, storm, California, death toll, boating accident, US Coast Guard, D.L. Bliss, Lake tragedy, rescue

Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/06/24/nx-s1-5442739/last-body-found-boat-capsizes-lake-tahoe-storm-death-toll-8