In a heartbreaking turn of events, a New Jersey grandfather, Stephen Schneider, is facing severe legal consequences after a tragic boating accident claimed the lives of his two young grandchildren. As court proceedings unfold, 𝓈𝒽𝓸𝒸𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 details about his blood alcohol level have emerged, prompting an emotional plea from the children’s father for Schneider’s release.
During a court hearing on Wednesday, Judge Wendel Daniels considered the case of the 64-year-old retired postal worker, who reportedly had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of . 16—double the legal limit of . 08.
Prosecutor Kate Burke emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “The defendant consumed enough alcohol to reach a BAC of approximately 0. 16 and then operated a vessel, and the result was catastrophic.” Burke’s remarks underscored the profound loss felt by the family, as she reminded the court that “two children lost their lives.”
According to reports, Schneider claimed he had consumed three beers over the course of two hours during a family dinner prior to the incident. His attorney, William Cunningham, expressed that Schneider is devastated by the tragedy and assured the judge that he would likely never operate a boat or consume alcohol again. “This has cut to the root of his family,” Cunningham stated, highlighting the deep emotional impact on Schneider and his loved ones.
In a poignant moment, Cunningham shared a letter from the father of the deceased children, who expressed gratitude for Schneider’s role in their lives. “He’s been there for our family in ways that words cannot fully express. Our family is better because of him,” the letter read.
The father-in-law’s love and support were evident, as he described Schneider as a wonderful father-in-law and a loving grandfather.
Cunningham further argued that both the son-in-law and Schneider’s daughter are also victims in this tragedy, pleading for the court to consider their wishes for Schneider’s release. “They are still grieving, judge. And they need him out, and he’s not a threat to anybody,” he asserted.
Currently, Schneider is recovering from injuries sustained in the accident and remains in the hospital.
The tragic incident took place on July 19 in Barnegat Bay, following a family outing at MJ’s Restaurant. After dining, Schneider was reportedly operating a 28-foot Tidewater 280 boat when it collided with a wood channel marker, throwing his grandchildren, 9-year-old Mya Golabek and 7-year-old Sigmund Paul Golabek, into the water. Despite wearing life jackets, the children were found unresponsive and later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Facing two counts of reckless death by vessel and related charges, Schneider is scheduled to return to court on September 15. Living in a waterfront home valued at $1 million, his life has taken a devastating turn. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, many are left wondering: how will this family heal from such an unimaginable loss?
