What to Know
Steven and Laurie Schneider took their grandchildren, Mya and Sigmund Golabek, for a boat ride in New Jersey on July 19, 2026. What should have been a happy memory for the family turned into tragedy when Steven Schneider allegedly hit a channel marker with his boat. The collision sent Mya and Siggy into Barnegat Bay off Berkeley Township. Their grandparents pulled them from the water, and emergency crews rushed them to a hospital.
Sadly, staff pronounced 9-year-old Mya and 7-year-old Siggy dead. The accident left the community reeling and wondering how something so horrific could happen.
The accident reportedly happened just after 9 p.m.
The New Jersey State Police confirmed to NJ.com that Steve Schneider was driving his 30-foot Tidewater 280 vessel when it struck a channel marker at 9:09 p.m. The grandparents did their best to rescue the children. Berkeley Township Councilman James Byrnes said emergency responders also tried to help
“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,” Byrnes told News 12.
He added that EMS will remember this night in their hearts for a long time.
“We make sure our first responders are taken care of. I have the equipment they need. 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,” Byrnes added.
The community immediately banded together for the Golabek family.
Loved ones created a Meal Train for the family that filled up quickly. Organizer Meghan Miick thanked everyone for their generosity and offered suggestions to others who still wanted to help.
“They have also suggested donations can be made in Siggy’s honor to Popcorn Park Zoo and in Mya’s honor to Lacey Storm Softball. Softball donations can be made in Venmo @LaceyStormSoftball Https://venmo.com/LaceyStormSoftball At this time, keeping the family in your prayers is an amazing way to support them,” she wrote.
The children’s obituaries tell heartbreaking stories.
Mya and Siggy loved each other very much and were best friends. Siggy’s obituary described him as sweet, shy, and adventurous.
“He loved the excitement of basketball, baseball, the fun of swimming, and the adventures that came from the things he loved most. He had a special love for Sonic and dinosaurs, which brought him so much happiness and showed his playful imagination,” the obituary reads.
Mya’s obituary shared a description of a sports-loving little girl who loved to be creative.
“Mya’s beautiful smile, kind heart, and joyful personality made her someone truly special. She had a way of bringing happiness wherever she went and making those around her feel loved,” her obituary reads.
Loved ones described Mya and Siggy as best friends.
The children are survived by their parents, Jennifer and Sigmund Golabek, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
“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,” the children’s obituaries both read.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation. It’s unclear whether the Schneiders will face charges.
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