‘Unimaginable’: 3 children killed when boat capsized identified as brother, sister and cousin

GENEVA LAKE, Wis. (WMTV/WIFR/Gray News) — The three children who died in a Wisconsin lake after a boat capsized on July 3 have been identified.

The children were identified as 6-year-old Caleb Oswald, 7-year-old Abigail Oswald and 10-year-old Kathryn “Kate” Schmidt.

The family said Caleb and Abigail were brother and sister. Kate was their cousin.

The Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency received multiple 911 calls on July 3 about a boat capsizing and people in the water as a storm with winds up to 100 mph tore through the area.

A total of 10 people, including four children, were on the boat. All children on board were wearing life jackets, including the victims.

First responders rescued six adults and one child before being told that three children were still missing.

Divers found the sunken boat in 32 feet of water, and the three missing children were inside.

Despite lifesaving measures at the scene by emergency personnel, all three children were pronounced dead.

A GoFundMe for Kate said the family is heartbroken over her loss.

“Kate was an amazing girl with a bubbly personality, and she didn’t have a mean bone in her body,” the page read. “Whether you met her once or knew her well, she would brighten your life any time of day. She loved playing tennis and softball, spending time with animals, painting, and hanging out with her friends—whether it was on the court, at the pool, or just being with family. Her kindness and joy touched everyone she met, and our family will miss her deeply.”

The money raised will go toward honoring Kate’s memory by giving funds to children who cannot afford sports or who want to adopt pets.

A separate GoFundMe for Caleb and Abigail said the money raised will go toward a children’s charity.

“Caleb and Abigail were more than brother and sister—they were best friends. They filled our home with laughter, music, hugs, and endless love. They were deeply loved by their family, friends, teachers, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing them. Even in the face of this unimaginable tragedy, we hope Caleb and Abigail’s lives will continue to make a difference by helping other children for years to come. Knowing their legacy is bringing hope to other families will help bring some comfort to us as parents,” the GoFundMe read.