Two children from Illinois drowned on Wisconsin's Geneva Lake when their boat capsized during a severe and sudden storm on July 3. The Walworth County Sheriff's Office identified the deceased children as 6-year-old Caleb Oswald and 7-year-old Abigail Oswald. The children’s father, Brad Oswald, described them on a GoFundMe page as "best friends" who "filled our home with laughter, music, hugs, and endless love."
Authorities determined the cause of death was drowning, with no signs of external injury. A 10-year-old unidentified girl also died in the incident. Six adults and one child survived the capsizing.
The storm produced peak winds estimated between 90 and 100 mph, according to local reports. The 47-year-old boat operator, described as having "extensive boating experience," was unable to find shelter before the vessel was swamped by two large waves, leading to a third wave that capsized the boat. Friends of the Oswalds stated that the family were "lifelong, experienced boaters" and that every child on board was wearing a life jacket. The vessel was reportedly a 25-foot boat well within its capacity.
Over $110,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe campaign. The Oswald family plans to donate these funds to a charitable organization to support children and families, honoring their children’s memory.