Fatal Barnegat Bay boating accident investigation

Stephen Schneider, a resident of Bayville, faces multiple charges following a July 19 boating accident in Barnegat Bay that resulted in the deaths of his two grandchildren, Mya Bella Golabek, 9, and Sigmund “Siggy” Paul Golabek, 7.

Initial reports from the New Jersey State Police indicated that Schneider was operating a vessel while “impaired by alcohol” when the boat struck Intracoastal Waterway Marker #39. The impact ejected both children from the vessel into the water. Although they were wearing life jackets and were retrieved by adults on board, both children later died at a hospital.

Subsequent legal details revealed that Schneider’s blood alcohol level was 0.16 at the time of the crash. While Schneider claimed to have consumed only three beers, authorities reported that his judgment, coordination, and perception were “markedly impaired.”

Schneider has been charged with two counts of reckless vessel homicide, operating a vessel under the influence, and reckless operation of a vessel. During a detention hearing in Ocean County Superior Court, the children’s parents submitted a letter to the judge describing Schneider as a “loving grandfather” and a “vital support” to their family.