A couple lost both of their young children when a boat capsized on Lake Geneva last Friday, amid a sudden and severe storm. Abigail Oswald, 7, and her brother Caleb, 6, drowned when their 25-foot Nautique P25 vessel sank.
A third child, a 10-year-old girl whose identity has not been released, also died in the incident. All three children were reportedly wearing life jackets.
The boat was carrying ten people, ranging in age from six to 75, when the storm hit. According to a friend of the family, Samantha Foster, the boat was within its capacity and the occupants were experienced boaters.
Foster described the storm as appearing "out of nowhere." She stated that two large waves crashed over the bow of the boat, causing it to take on water and list to one side. A third wave then capsized the vessel. All ten occupants were thrown into the water.
A passing boat immediately contacted emergency services. Rescuers were able to save seven passengers, including a 12-year-old boy. However, the three children could not be immediately located.
Divers later found Abigail, Caleb, and the other young girl 32 feet below the surface of the lake. Life-saving measures were administered, but they were pronounced dead at local medical facilities. Preliminary reports suggest their cause of death was freshwater drowning, with no external injuries.
Brad Oswald, 46, and his wife Erica, 49, who reside in Wheaton, Illinois, are mourning the loss of their children. Brad Oswald described Abigail and Caleb as "best friends." He has launched a GoFundMe campaign to establish a fund for a children's charity in their memory.
"While our hearts are broken beyond words, we want their legacy to be one of hope, compassion, and helping others," Brad Oswald wrote on the campaign page. He described Abigail as having a "huge heart for others" and a dream of becoming a teacher. Caleb, his father said, had the "sweetest heart" and loved trucks and music.
Brad Oswald is the owner and operator of Todd's Towing & Recovery. The company shared the GoFundMe on its Facebook page, noting that donations would be given to a charitable organization.
Erica Oswald works as a benefits manager at a manufacturing company. The family lives in a $1.2 million home in Wheaton.
The 46-year-old boat operator, whose identity has not been released, was described by investigators as having "extensive boating experience." He was reportedly attempting to navigate through winds estimated between 90 and 100 mph when the storm hit.