FROM A $1M WATERFRONT HOME TO AN OCEAN COUNTY JAIL CELL — GRANDFATHER CHARGED AFTER DEADLY BOAT CRASH

A tragic family boating trip at the Jersey Shore has now turned into a criminal case.

Stephen Schneider, 64, of Bayville, New Jersey, voluntarily surrendered to police after authorities charged him in connection with the July 19 crash that killed his two young grandchildren.

 THE NIGHT EVERYTHING CHANGED

According to police, Schneider was operating a 30-foot Tidewater 280 in Barnegat Bay when the vessel struck a wooden channel marker at around 9 p.m.

The impact threw 9-year-old Mya Bella Golabek and her 7-year-old brother, Sigmund Paul Golabek, into the dark water.

Schneider and his wife pulled the children from the bay, but both were later pronounced dead at a hospital.

 POLICE SAY ALCOHOL WAS INVOLVED

Authorities have charged Schneider with:

Two counts of second-degree reckless vessel homicide/death by vessel

Operating a vessel under the influence

Reckless operation of a vessel

Police have confirmed that Schneider was allegedly impaired by alcohol, although his blood-alcohol level has not been publicly disclosed.

A SHARP CONTRAST

Public records show Schneider lived in a waterfront Bayville property valued at roughly $1 million.

Now, instead of returning home after the summer boating trip, he is being held in Ocean County Jail while awaiting further court proceedings.

The contrast has drawn attention — but behind the property records and criminal charges is a family dealing with the loss of two children.

TWO CHILDREN, ONE FAMILY TRAGEDY

Mya and Sigmund were siblings described in their obituaries as exceptionally close.

Mya was remembered for her love of sports, swimming, art and crafts.

Sigmund loved sports, baseball, basketball and spending time with family and friends.

Their deaths have left relatives and the local community grieving.

 THE CASE NOW MOVES TO COURT

Schneider’s arrest does not determine his guilt.

The charges are allegations, and the evidence will ultimately be tested through the court process.

But investigators now face the task of establishing exactly what happened aboard the boat that night — and what led to the devastating collision.

 ONE BOAT TRIP.

 TWO CHILDREN LOST.

 FOUR CRIMINAL CHARGES.

AND A GRANDFATHER NOW AWAITING HIS DAY IN COURT.

For one family, a summer night on the Jersey Shore became a tragedy they will never forget.

Independent commentary based on publicly reported police and court information. Stephen Schneider is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.