Authorities identify third child killed in Geneva Lake boating accident

The video above is from a previous report. LAKE GENEVA, Wis. (WGN) - Authorities in Wisconsin have identified the third child who died after a boat capsized and sank on Geneva Lake on Friday, July 3 as strong storms rolled into the area. The Geneva Lake Police announced Thursday, July 9 that the third child who died in the incident has been identified as 10-year-old Kathryn Schmidt. The Schmidt family has set up a GoFundMe to honor Kathryn and all money collected will go toward helping children in need who can't afford to play sports or who wish to adopt animals, two things Kathryn enjoyed doing. The family also issued the following statement thanking law enforcement. "The Schmidt family wishes to express their profound and heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated law enforcement officers, fire and emergency medical personnel, dive team members, and Water Safety Patrol members who answered the call. Your swift, courageous response and unwavering support during this difficult time brought immense comfort when it was needed most. To everyone who assisted at the scene and offered a helping hand, please know that your kindness, professionalism, and dedication will never be forgotten." The other two children who died have been identified as 7-year-old Abigail Oswald and 6-year-old Caleb Oswald. An obituary said Kathryn, Abigail and Caleb were cousins. Authorities said the official cause of death for each child is drowning and the manner of death was determined is accidental. The deadly accident happened just after noon Friday as a storm system that officials described as “sudden and severe” moved across Walworth County. According to the National Weather Service, wind gusts reached an estimated 90 to 100 mph, toppling hundreds of trees and damaging several buildings. As the storm intensified, a privately owned 25-foot 2024 Nautique P25 carrying 10 people was trying to reach safety. The boat was being operated by a 47-year-old man who investigators said had extensive boating experience. Police said at least two large waves crashed over the bow of the boat, causing it to take on a significant amount of water and begin tilting to one side. An additional wave then sent all 10 occupants into the water. After capsizing, police said the vessel quickly sank below the waterline. Other people on the lake called for help, and first responders rescued seven people from the water, including six adults and one child. The three children who died were later found inside the sunken boat in about 32 feet of water. Police also said all of the children aboard the boat were wearing properly fitted life jackets. The Geneva Lake Police issued the following public safety reminder: "The Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency wants to remind the public that this incident serves as a reminder of how quickly severe weather can develop on waterways. We strongly urge all boaters to closely monitor weather forecasts, remain vigilant of changing atmospheric conditions, and seek safe harbor when threatening weather approaches. "We urge the public to wear a properly fitted and sized life jacket when boating, paddleboarding, or swimming in open water. Regardless of your swimming ability, simply carrying a life vest on board is insufficient."