Grandfather who ‘was drunk’ when he crashed his boat that killed his two grandchildren, 7 & 9, is charged

NewsUS News A GRANDAD who crashed his boat while allegedly drunk, killing his two grandchildren, aged seven and nine, has been charged with homicide. Stephen Schneider, 64, was arrested after allegedly driving his 30-foot Tidewater 280 into a wood channel marker in Barnegat Bay on July 19. Little Mya and Siggy were killed in a horror boat crash in July Credit: Facebook Stephen Schneider, 64, was allegedly drunk when he crashed the boat Credit: Ocean County Jail Police Mya Bella Golabek, nine, and her brother Sigmund Paul Golabek, seven, were pulled from the water at the Jersey Shore by Schneider and his wife. The young pair later died in hospital. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! New Jersey State Police said Schneider voluntarily surrendered himself at the Berkley Township Police Department in Ocean County, reports say. He is currently in jail awaiting a court hearing. Siggy pictured with his dad Sigmund Gobalek years before the tragedy Credit: Facebook/Siggy.golabek.2025 Mya and Siggy pictured with their family before their tragic deaths Credit: Facebook/Siggy.golabek.2025 Schneider now faces two counts of reckless vessel homicide – a second-degree charge – as well as operating a vessel under the influence and reckless operation of a vessel. One of his grandchildren’s obituaries reads: “A sibling bond is a love that lasts forever. “Mya and Siggy were not only brother and sister, but best friends who shared laughter, adventures, and countless memories.” “Now they continue their journey together, hand in hand, carrying their love beyond this world and leaving behind a beautiful reminder of the unbreakable bond they shared.” Most read in The Sun Mya was described as an athletic and artistic girl who loved sports and swimming at the beach as well as crafting and drawing. Sigmund, according to his loved ones, enjoyed baseball, basketball, swimming and spending time with family and friends. The two kids loved playing with their dogs, Tequila and Captain. Local authorities said the young boy died despite attempts from emergency services to revive him. Berkeley Councilman James Byrnes said: “The firemen jumped right in. “The one child had a life jacket next to him. Of course, with CPR being performed, they’re going to remove it.” He added: “They’re going to be living with this forever in our hearts, and our thoughts go out to the family. “This is a real tragedy.”