A New Jersey grandfather is facing serious charges after prosecutors say he was drunk when he crashed a boat into a channel marker, killing his two young grandchildren.
Stephen Schneider, 64, was arrested Friday and charged with reckless vessel homicide and operating a vessel under the influence in connection with the July 19 tragedy in Barnegat Bay.
The crash killed 9-year-old Mya Golabek and her 7-year-old brother, Sigmund Golabek.
The children were the only kids of Schneider’s daughter, Jennifer Golabek, and her husband, Sigmund Golabek Sr.
Authorities say Schneider was operating a 30-foot Tidewater Custom 280 boat around 9 p.m. when he allegedly struck a channel marker in the bay.
The impact threw Mya and Sigmund into the water.
Schneider and his wife, Laurie Schneider, 64, reportedly pulled the children back onto the boat, but both were unresponsive.
They were later taken to a hospital and pronounced dead.
It remains unclear whether the children’s parents were also aboard the boat at the time of the crash.
Prosecutors allege Schneider was intoxicated when he was behind the controls.
Sources told Jersey Shore Online that the family had been at MJ’s Restaurant Bar and Grill before getting onto the boat.
The loss has devastated the family and community.
Mya was remembered in her obituary as a sweet, adventurous child with a bright smile, kind heart and joyful personality.
Her younger brother Sigmund, known as Siggy, was described as gentle, playful and deeply loved by his family, friends and teammates.
Their obituaries also highlighted the siblings’ incredibly close bond, describing them not only as brother and sister, but as best friends who shared countless adventures together.
Schneider is being held at the Ocean County Jail without bond.
His next court appearance had not yet been scheduled.
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