FROM FAMILY DINNER TO A FATAL NIGHT ON BARNEGAT BAY: GRANDFATHER FACES HOMICIDE CHARGES AFTER DEADLY BOAT CRASH

BERKELEY, NEW JERSEY — What began as a family dinner ended in tragedy on the dark waters of Barnegat Bay, where two young siblings were thrown from their grandparents’ boat and later died.

The victims, 9-year-old Mya Bella Golabek and 7-year-old Sigmund “Siggy” Paul Golabek, had been spending time with their family on July 19 when their grandfather, 64-year-old Stephen Schneider, took his 30-foot boat onto the bay.

According to newly reported court records, the children had been at dinner with their family at MJ’s Restaurant before deciding to return with their grandparents by boat.

THE NIGHT EVERYTHING CHANGED

Authorities allege Schneider had been drinking before getting behind the wheel of the boat.

The 30-foot Tidewater 280 was traveling at night when it struck a wooden channel marker in the Intracoastal Waterway.

The impact sent Mya and Sigmund into the water.

Both children were wearing life jackets, but they were found face-down and unresponsive. Schneider and his wife pulled the children from the water and emergency crews rushed to save them.

Despite rescue efforts, both children later died at a local hospital.

For their mother, Jennifer Golabek, the tragedy meant losing both of her children in a single night.

Mya was remembered as a fun-loving girl who enjoyed softball, basketball, swimming, the beach and creating art. Siggy was described as a shy but adventurous boy who loved baseball, basketball, swimming and animals.

Their obituaries emphasized the close bond the siblings shared.

INVESTIGATORS SAY ALCOHOL PLAYED A ROLE

The case took a major turn after investigators determined Schneider was allegedly significantly impaired by alcohol when the crash occurred.

According to court documents reported this week, Schneider told investigators he had consumed three beers. Authorities, however, allege that his level of impairment was substantial enough that he could not safely operate the vessel.

Schneider was subsequently charged with two counts of second-degree reckless vessel homicide, along with charges for operating a vessel under the influence and reckless operation of a vessel.

He voluntarily surrendered to authorities and was taken into custody.

FROM WATERFRONT HOME TO COURTROOM

Schneider lives in the Bayville section of Berkeley Township, in Ocean County.

The case has drawn widespread attention because the victims were not strangers—they were his own grandchildren.

What makes the tragedy particularly painful is how ordinary the evening reportedly began: a family meal, time together and a decision by two children to ride home with their grandparents.

Within minutes, the family was facing a catastrophic loss.

The crash has also prompted renewed discussion about nighttime boating safety and the dangers of operating a vessel after drinking.

For Mya and Siggy’s loved ones, however, the focus is much more personal.

They are mourning two children whose lives were remembered for their sibling bond, their personalities and the joy they brought to their family.

Schneider is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

But as the criminal case moves forward, prosecutors will attempt to establish exactly what happened on the water that night—and whether alcohol-impaired operation led directly to the deaths of two young children.

A family dinner ended with two children dead, a grandfather facing homicide charges, and a family left to confront a loss that can never be undone.