A devastating family tragedy on New Jersey’s Barnegat Bay has taken another emotional turn after a grandfather charged in the deaths of his two grandchildren was granted conditional release. 💔

On July 19, 2026, Stephen Schneider was operating his boat after a family dinner when the vessel struck an Intracoastal Waterway channel marker. His grandchildren, 9-year-old Mya Bella Golabek and 7-year-old Sigmund Paul “Siggy” Golabek, were thrown into the water. Despite wearing life jackets and receiving emergency CPR, neither child survived. 🕊️💔

Investigators later determined that Schneider’s blood-alcohol level was approximately 0.16% — twice New Jersey’s legal limit of 0.08%. Prosecutors argued that the level demonstrated significant impairment while he was operating the boat. ⚖️

Schneider, who told police he had consumed three beers over about two hours, has been charged with two counts of reckless vessel homicide, along with operating a vessel under the influence and reckless operation. 🚔

At his detention hearing, prosecutors asked the judge to keep Schneider in custody, pointing to the alleged level of impairment and the devastating consequences of the crash.

But his family made an emotional plea for mercy. ❤️🙏

The children’s parents — Schneider’s daughter and son-in-law — reportedly submitted letters asking the court to release him. They described him as a loving grandfather who had always supported their family and deeply loved Mya and Siggy. 🥺💙

Schneider’s attorney also told the court that the tragedy had devastated the entire family and ᴀssured the judge that Schneider would not drink alcohol or operate a boat again if released.

Judge Wendel E. Daniels ultimately granted Schneider conditional release. He is temporarily prohibited from operating a boat or motor vehicle while completing a court-ordered ᴀssessment. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 15. ⚖️

For Mya and Siggy’s parents, the decision reflects an incredibly painful reality: they are grieving the loss of their two children while also asking the court to allow another beloved family member to remain part of their lives. 💔

The tragedy has left a family caught between grief, forgiveness and the search for accountability.

Mya and Siggy should have had many more birthdays, family dinners and summer nights ahead of them. Instead, their loved ones are left holding onto memories while waiting for the legal process to unfold. 🧸🕊️

Two young lives were lost in a heartbreaking accident, and a family is now trying to find a way forward together. 💙🙏

Source: New York Post