On a beautiful Saturday at Lake Tahoe, Gloria Brigantino and her friends anchored their boat to enjoy a rum cocktail when disaster struck. The skies were clear, and the vibrant beach was bustling with activity, but it quickly turned treacherous as a storm rolled in. Winds reached an astonishing 35mph, and 8-foot swells caused many boats to capsize, including a tourist vessel packed with vacationers.
Tragically, officials revealed that the death toll has now reached eight, following the recovery of two additional bodies from a boat that capsized earlier. Gloria, who had a front-row seat on the shoreline, recounted the chaos as boats collided, and frantic people attempted to escape the turbulent waters.
She expressed disbelief over the rapid change in weather, emphasizing that a squall of this intensity hadn’t been seen in Lake Tahoe in decades. The serene alpine lake, usually known for its stunning views and calm waters, transformed into a scene of panic and sorrow as individuals fought for their lives against the crashing waves.
Just a little while after the storm had passed, sunshine and calm returned, but the memory of the tragic events lingered. The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office continues to identify the victims as search and rescue operations remain ongoing.
