A tragic boating accident in New Jersey has left a family shattered after a brother and sister were thrown from their grandfather’s vessel, leading to their untimely deaths. The heartbreaking incident unfolded following a family dinner, as the children expressed their desire to return to their grandparents’ home.
Stephen Schneider, 64, has been charged with two counts of reckless vessel homicide after the fatal crash on July 19. According to court documents, Schneider claimed he had consumed only three beers during a two-hour outing on Barnegat Bay. However, state police have stated that his ability to operate the boat was significantly impaired, affecting his judgment and coordination.
The family had gathered at MJ’s Restaurant in Bayville, where the children, Mya Golabek, 9, and her brother Sigmund Paul Golabek, 7, were excited to spend time with their grandfather. After dinner, the kids requested to head back to their grandparents’ house, prompting the families to part ways.
As Schneider navigated the waters, tragedy struck around 9 p. m. when his 30-foot Tidewater 280 collided with a wooden channel marker, sending the children into the water.
Despite wearing life jackets, both Mya and Sigmund were found face-down in the bay.
Schneider and his wife attempted to rescue the children and performed CPR, but unfortunately, both siblings were pronounced dead at the hospital. In addition to the homicide charges, Schneider faces allegations of operating a vessel under the influence and reckless operation.
Public records reveal that Schneider resides in a luxurious waterfront home in Bayville, valued at approximately $1 million. As the community grapples with this devastating loss, many are left wondering how such a joyful family gathering could end in heartbreak. What will this mean for the family and the community moving forward?
