A 64-year-old New Jersey man has been arrested and charged in connection with a boat crash that resulted in the deaths of his two young grandchildren. Stephen Schneider faces charges of reckless vessel homicide and operating a vessel under the influence, according to prosecutors.
The incident occurred on July 19 on Barnegat Bay. Schneider was allegedly operating a 30-foot Tidewater Custom 280 boat while intoxicated when it struck a channel marker near his waterfront home. The collision propelled the two children, nine-year-old Mya Golabek and her seven-year-old brother Sigmund, into the water. [
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Schneider and his wife, Laurie Schneider, 64, pulled the unresponsive children back aboard the vessel. They were pronounced dead later at a hospital. The victims were the only children of Schneider's daughter, Jennifer Golabek, and her husband, Sigmund Golabek Sr.
According to reports, the family had been at MJ's Restaurant Bar and Grill prior to the boat excursion. [
Schneider, who was arrested on Friday, is being held at Ocean County Jail without bond. His next court appearance has not yet been scheduled. [
Mya and Sigmund were remembered as fun-loving and adventurous children. Obituaries described Mya as having a light that touched everyone around her, with a beautiful smile and kind heart. Sigmund was noted for his sweet smile, gentle heart, and playful spirit. The siblings were also described as best friends who shared a strong bond. [
