LAKE GENEVA, Wis. — The three children who died after a boat capsized on Geneva Lake during a powerful Fourth of July weekend storm have been identified by their families, as loved ones mourn the devastating loss and community fundraising efforts begin.
The victims were identified through separate GoFundMe campaigns as Abigail Oswald, 7, Caleb Oswald, 6, and their cousin Kathryn “Kate” Schmidt, 10. The children died after the family’s boat overturned during a violent storm that struck Walworth County, Wisconsin, on July 3.
Family Remembers Three Young Lives Lost
A fundraiser created by Brad Oswald remembered siblings Abigail and Caleb as inseparable companions whose joyful personalities touched everyone around them.
“Caleb and Abigail were more than brother and sister—they were best friends. They filled our home with laughter, music, hugs, and endless love,” the fundraiser states.
A separate fundraising campaign organized by Jonathon Schmidt paid tribute to 10-year-old Kathryn, affectionately known as Kate.
“Kathryn Schmidt, or as most people knew her, Kate, was a bright light in our lives, and her loss has left our family heartbroken,” the fundraiser said, noting that Kate died alongside her two cousins in the boating tragedy.
Powerful Storm Triggered Deadly Boating Disaster
According to authorities, the accident occurred when a sudden and intense storm swept across Geneva Lake on the evening of July 3.
The National Weather Service determined the storm produced a downburst with wind gusts estimated between 90 and 100 mph, creating dangerous conditions across the region.
The powerful winds toppled hundreds of trees, brought down power lines, damaged buildings, and generated large waves with extremely poor visibility on the lake.
Investigators said the boat, carrying 10 people, began taking on water before being struck by a large wave that caused it to roll over, capsize, and eventually sink.
Seven Survivors Rescued From Lake
Emergency crews responded quickly and rescued six adults and one child from the water.
However, the three missing children were located only after an extensive search. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by first responders, all three were later pronounced dead.
Authorities said all four children aboard the vessel—including the surviving 12-year-old—were wearing properly fitted life jackets, underscoring the severity of the storm conditions rather than a lack of safety equipment.
Who Was on the Boat?
Law enforcement said the boat was operated by a 47-year-old man and carried a total of 10 occupants:
- Kathryn Schmidt, 10 (deceased)
- Abigail Oswald, 7 (deceased)
- Caleb Oswald, 6 (deceased)
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the sinking, though officials have indicated that the unprecedented weather event appears to have been the primary factor in the tragedy.
The Geneva Lake boating accident has become one of Wisconsin’s deadliest weather-related recreational incidents of the year, with local communities rallying to support the grieving families through memorial fundraisers.
