A devastating boating accident on Barnegat Bay has left a New Jersey family shattered after two young siblings were killed in a crash that authorities say involved an impaired boat operator. The tragedy has led to criminal charges against Stephen Schneider, 64, of Bayville, who investigators allege was operating the vessel while under the influence.
The fatal crash occurred on July 19, 2026, in Berkeley Township, when Schneider was operating a 30-foot boat carrying his wife, Laurie Schneider, and their grandchildren, 9-year-old Mya Bella Golabek and 7-year-old Sigmund “Siggy” Paul Golabek. Authorities say the boat struck Channel Marker 39 along the Intracoastal Waterway at approximately 9 p.m.
The impact sent the two children into the water. Schneider and his wife, Laurie, immediately attempted to rescue the children, pulling them from the bay and beginning efforts to save their lives. Emergency responders arrived and continued lifesaving measures, including CPR, before the children were transported to a nearby hospital. Despite those efforts, both children later died from their injuries.
The investigation was led by the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau, which examined the circumstances surrounding the crash. Investigators determined that the channel marker involved in the collision was operating properly and illuminated at the time of the incident.
Weeks after the crash, Schneider surrendered to authorities on August 14, 2026. Officials allege that he had been drinking and was impaired while operating the boat. He now faces multiple charges, including two counts of second-degree reckless vessel homicide, along with allegations of boating under the influence and reckless operation of a vessel.
Laurie Schneider, who was also aboard the boat during the tragic incident, has been identified as the children’s grandmother. The family has been left devastated by the loss of Mya and Siggy, who were remembered as loving siblings with a special bond.
Mya was known for her love of sports, swimming, the beach, crabbing, drawing, and crafts. Siggy enjoyed baseball, basketball, swimming, dinosaurs, and Sonic. Their family described them as cherished children whose lives brought immense joy to those around them.
The loss has been especially heartbreaking for their parents, Sigmund and Jennifer Golabek, as Mya and Siggy were their only children. The community continues to offer condolences and support as the family grieves the unimaginable loss of two young lives taken far too soon.