New Jersey Grandfather Charged After Boat Crash Kills Two Grandchildren

Stephen Schneider, 64, of Berkeley Township, New Jersey, has been arrested and charged in connection with a fatal boating accident on Barnegat Bay that claimed the lives of his two grandchildren.

The crash occurred on July 19, 2026, at approximately 9 p.m. Authorities said Schneider was operating the boat when it struck a channel marker, throwing two children into the water.

The victims were identified as 9-year-old Mya Golabek and her younger brother, 7-year-old Sigmund “Siggy” Golabek. Both children were Schneider’s grandchildren and died following the accident.

Investigators said the channel marker’s light was operational at the time of the collision.

Schneider now faces two counts of reckless vessel homicide, also described as death by vessel, along with additional charges related to boating under the influence and reckless operation of a vessel.

The charges allege that Schneider’s conduct contributed to the children’s deaths. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and the events leading up to the collision.

The tragedy has devastated the children’s family, who are mourning the loss of two young siblings in a boating accident that occurred during a family outing.

It is important to note that the charges are allegations. Schneider is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

The case will now proceed through the New Jersey court system as prosecutors and the defense address the evidence surrounding the fatal crash.

Source: The Sun