FROM WATERFRONT LUXURY TO AN OCEAN COUNTY JAIL CELL: GRANDFATHER CHARGED AFTER BOAT CRASH KILLS TWO GRANDCHILDREN

BAYVILLE, NEW JERSEY — A family boating trip along the Jersey Shore ended in an unimaginable tragedy when two young siblings were thrown into the dark waters of Barnegat Bay after their grandfather’s 30-foot boat struck a channel marker.

Weeks later, the children’s grandfather, 64-year-old Stephen Schneider of Bayville, surrendered to police and was taken into custody.

Authorities now accuse him of operating the vessel while under the influence and causing a crash that killed his two grandchildren, 9-year-old Mya Bella Golabek and 7-year-old Sigmund Paul Golabek.

The case has transformed the image of a quiet family summer outing into a criminal investigation that could send the children’s grandfather to prison for decades.

A SUMMER NIGHT THAT TURNED DEADLY

The crash happened shortly after 9 p.m. on July 19, 2026, in the Berkeley Township area of Barnegat Bay.

According to New Jersey State Police, Schneider was operating a 30-foot Tidewater Custom 280 when the vessel struck Channel Marker 39.

The impact threw Mya and Sigmund overboard.

Schneider and another adult passenger, identified as Laurie Schneider, searched the dark water and recovered the children.

Emergency crews rushed both children to a nearby hospital, but neither survived.

The devastating scene unfolded in front of first responders and witnesses who watched firefighters immediately enter the water and begin lifesaving efforts.

One witness later recalled seeing a life jacket near one of the children as rescuers worked to revive them.

TWO SIBLINGS REMEMBERED TOGETHER

Mya and Sigmund were remembered by their family as exceptionally close siblings.

Their obituaries described them as not only brother and sister, but best friends who shared adventures, laughter and countless memories.

Mya was described as an artist and athlete who enjoyed swimming, sports, crafting and drawing.

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

The children also shared a love for their dogs, Tequila and Captain.

Their deaths left their parents facing the unimaginable loss of both children.

INVESTIGATION TURNS TO SCHNEIDER

Initially, authorities described the crash as an ongoing investigation and released few details.

That changed in August.

New Jersey State Police said Schneider voluntarily surrendered at the Berkeley Township Police Department in Ocean County.

He was subsequently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a court appearance.

Authorities allege that Schneider was intoxicated while operating the boat at the time of the collision.

His blood-alcohol concentration has not been publicly released in the reports reviewed for this article.

Schneider now faces two counts of second-degree reckless vessel homicide/death by vessel, along with charges for operating a vessel under the influence and reckless operation of a vessel.

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

THE WATERFRONT HOME

Public records cited in reporting show that Schneider lived in a waterfront Bayville property valued at approximately $1 million.

The contrast has drawn attention: a grandfather who appeared to enjoy a comfortable life in an affluent Jersey Shore community is now being held in an Ocean County jail following the deaths of two children from his own family.

But the property and Schneider’s financial circumstances have no bearing on whether he is criminally responsible.

The central issue for prosecutors will be what happened aboard the boat that night and whether Schneider’s alleged impairment caused the fatal collision.

A CHANNEL MARKER THAT WAS FUNCTIONING

The channel marker struck by the vessel has also become part of the investigation.

A Berkeley Township councilman who witnessed the aftermath told News 12 that the marker was functioning and its lights were working on the night of the crash.

That detail could become significant as investigators reconstruct the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Authorities have not publicly released a complete reconstruction of the boat’s speed, Schneider’s alleged level of intoxication or every factor that contributed to the crash.

Those details may emerge as the criminal case moves forward.

A FAMILY TRAGEDY NOW IN COURT

For Mya and Sigmund’s family, the legal proceedings cannot undo what happened.

The siblings went out for what should have been a summer evening on the water.

Instead, both children were lost within minutes of the collision.

Now their grandfather is facing serious criminal charges arising from the same incident.

The prosecution will have to prove its allegations in court, including the circumstances surrounding Schneider’s operation of the vessel and whether his conduct meets the legal standard for the charges filed against him.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Schneider remains in custody awaiting his first formal court appearance.

As the case progresses, prosecutors are expected to present evidence concerning the boat crash, the alleged impairment, the vessel’s operation and the deaths of the two children.

For now, one of the most painful questions remains:

How did a family boating trip end with two children losing their lives—and their grandfather facing homicide charges?

The answer will ultimately depend on the evidence presented in court.

For the Golabek family, however, the legal case is only one part of a tragedy that has already changed their lives forever.

Mya was 9. Sigmund was 7. They went out on the water with their family—and never came home.

This article is based on publicly reported police and court information. Criminal charges are allegations, and Schneider is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Additional details may emerge as the investigation and court proceedings continue.