New Jersey Grandfather Charged After Boat Crash Kills Two Grandchildren

Stephen Schneider, 63 or 64, of Berkeley Township, New Jersey, is facing criminal charges after a boating accident killed his two young grandchildren in Barnegat Bay.

The incident occurred on the evening of July 19, 2026, when Schneider was operating a boat approximately 28 to 30 feet long. The vessel struck a channel marker, throwing his two grandchildren, ages 9 and 7, into the water. Both children died.

According to investigative records, the children had reportedly wanted to go boating with their grandfather that evening.

Schneider told police that he had consumed three beers over roughly two hours at a waterfront restaurant before operating the boat.

Investigators later cited laboratory analysis indicating that Schneider was impaired by alcohol and unable to safely operate the vessel at the time of the crash.

Schneider now faces two counts of reckless vessel homicide in connection with the deaths of his grandchildren.

The case has raised difficult questions about alcohol consumption and boating safety, particularly because the victims were Schneider’s own grandchildren.

The charges are allegations, and Schneider is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Source: NY Post