Stephen Schneider charged in fatal Barnegat Bay boating accident

Stephen Schneider, 64, faces charges of reckless vessel homicide following a fatal boating accident in Barnegat Bay that killed his two grandchildren, Mya Golabek, 9, and Sigmund Paul Golabek, 7.

According to court documents and police reports, the children requested to ride with their grandfather after a family dinner in Bayville. During the trip, Schneider’s 30-foot Tidewater 280 struck a waterway channel marker, causing the children to be ejected into the water. Although the children were wearing life jackets, they were found face-down in the water and later died at the hospital.

Prosecutors state that Schneider’s blood alcohol level was 0.16 following the crash. While Schneider claimed to have consumed only three beers, State Police reported that his judgment, coordination, and perception were markedly impaired by alcohol. He is charged with two counts of reckless vessel homicide, operating a vessel under the influence, and reckless operation of a vessel.

During a recent detention hearing in Ocean County Superior Court, the children’s parents submitted a letter to the judge requesting Schneider’s release. In the letter, they described him as a loving grandfather and a generous man who has been a vital support to their family.