A New Jersey grandfather was allegedly drunk at the helm when his boat crashed during a 9 p.m. ride, killing his two young grandchildren, prosecutors said.
Stephen Schneider, 64, was arrested Friday and charged with reckless vessel homicide, nearly a month after the July 19 boating tragedy in Barnegat Bay that claimed the lives of his granddaughter, Mya Golabeck, 9, and her 7-year-old brother, Sigmund.
The children were the only children of Schneider’s daughter, Jennifer Golabek, and her husband, Sigmund Sr., both 45.
Authorities allege Schneider was operating a 30-foot Tidewater Custom 280 boat while intoxicated when it struck a channel marker in Barnegat Bay near his $1 million waterfront home last month.
The impact sent Mya and Sigmund flying into the water.
Schneider and his wife, Laurie Schneider, 64, frantically pulled the children back onto the boat, but New Jersey officials said both were unresponsive.
The youngsters were later pronounced dead. It remains unclear whether their parents were on board at the time of the Barnegat Bay crash.
Schneider is being held at the Ocean County Jail without bond. His next court appearance has not yet been scheduled.
Stephen Schneider was charged with reckless vessel homicide and operating a vessel under the influence. He is being held without bail
Mya, nine, and Sigmund, seven Golabek, died after they were flung into the water during the collision on July 19
The youngsters were described as being ‘fun-loving’ and ‘adventurous’.
Mya’s obituary said: ‘Mya Bella Golabek entered this world and brought a light that touched everyone around her.
‘In her nine beautiful years, she filled the lives of her family and friends with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.’
It went on to describe her as ‘sweet, fun-loving’ who had a ‘beautiful smile, kind heart, and joyful personality’.
Sigmund’s obituary added: ‘His sweet smile, gentle heart, and playful spirit brought happiness to everyone around him.’
It added: ‘Although Siggy’s time here was much too short, the love he gave and the memories he created will remain forever.
‘He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, teammates, and all who were blessed to know him.
‘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.
Mya and Sigmund were the only children of the Schneider’s 45-year-old daughter, Jennifer Golabek
Police said Schneider operated a 30-foot Tidewater Custom 280 boat while intoxicated and struck a channel marker in Barnegat Bay near his $1 million waterfront home
‘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.’
Sources told Jersey Shore Online that prior to getting on the boat, the family had been at MJ’s Restaurant Bar and Grill.
The children were taken to hospital following the crash, where they were pronounced dead.
The Daily Mail contacted the Berkeley Township Police and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office for comment.
