A New Jersey couple has been left in profound heartbreak following a fatal boating accident that claimed the lives of their two young children during a family outing at the Jersey Shore. On Sunday evening, July 19, 2026, Sigmund and Jennifer Golabek were enjoying a weekend trip with their 9-year-old daughter, Mya Bella Golabek, and 7-year-old son, Sigmund Paul Golabek Jr. (affectionately known as “Siggy”), along with the children’s grandparents, Steven Schneider and Laurie Schneider. The family was aboard a 30-foot Tidewater 280 motorboat as they traveled through the Intracoastal Waterway in Barnegat Bay, off Berkeley Township in Ocean County. Around 9:09 p.m., the vessel struck a channel marker that was fully functional, with its lights working properly. The impact sent the children flying into the water, leaving the parents and grandparents in an unimaginable moment of horror.

Steven Schneider, 63, who was operating the boat, and Laurie Schneider, 64, quickly recovered their grandchildren from the bay. Despite immediate efforts by first responders to revive the unresponsive children, both were pronounced dead at the scene. The tragedy has devastated the family, with relatives, friends, and community members expressing deep sorrow and offering condolences. The incident has reignited discussions about safety on recreational boats, the importance of proper preparation for family outings, and the need for constant vigilance on the water, especially during evening hours when visibility can be lower.

Mya Bella Golabek was remembered by her family as a sweet, fun-loving girl who “shined in everything she did.” Her obituary, published through Riggs Funeral Home, describes her as a joyful child with a kind heart and a personality that brought happiness to everyone around her. She loved swimming, spending time at the beach, crabbing on summer days and nights, and playing with her beloved dogs. The family highlighted her ability to make others feel loved and cherished, noting that she had a beautiful smile and a way of spreading kindness wherever she went. Mya was also deeply involved in her community, including her role with the Lacey Girls Softball team, where she was remembered as a special part of the family.

Sigmund Paul Golabek Jr., or “Siggy,” was portrayed as a shy but adventurous little boy with a big imagination and a unique personality. His obituary emphasizes his love for basketball, baseball, swimming, and the thrill of exploring the things he enjoyed most. Despite his short time on Earth, the love he gave and the memories he created will live on forever, the family stated. Siggy and his sister Mya were best friends and siblings who shared an unbreakable bond. Their obituary for the two children together beautifully captures this: “A sibling bond is a love that lasts forever. Mya and Siggy were not only brother and sister, but best friends who shared laughter, adventures, and countless memories.” They continue their journey together hand in hand, carrying their love beyond this world, the family wrote, leaving behind a beautiful reminder of the special connection they shared.

The Golabek family lives in Lacey, New Jersey, and the children were also survived by their parents, additional grandparents including Roseann Chiarella and others, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. The tragedy has prompted donations in their memory: contributions in Siggy’s name can go to Popcorn Park Zoo, while those honoring Mya can support Lacey Storm Softball. The family’s loss is a life-changing moment, and the community in the Forked River and Lacey area is coming together to support Jennifer and Sigmund Golabek through this unimaginable pain.

The investigation by State Police and local authorities continues to examine the circumstances of the crash, including the role of the channel marker and any factors that may have contributed to the accident. No charges have been filed at this time, but the details of the timeline and safety measures on the boat are under review. Firefighters and other first responders responded quickly to the scene, but the children’s injuries were too severe. The incident has raised important questions about boating safety, life jacket usage, and the need for children to wear appropriate gear while on the water.

As the family prepares for a funeral service on Friday, July 24, in Forked River, they gather to remember Mya and Siggy with heartfelt tributes. Their love for the beach, swimming, and family adventures will be a lasting legacy. The siblings’ bond, filled with laughter and shared memories, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones. The New Jersey couple’s journey has been forever changed, but their children’s bright spirits and the unbreakable family ties will continue to inspire hope and strength in the face of such profound loss.

This heartbreaking event has drawn national attention, with outlets like the New York Post, NJ.com, and local news stations sharing updates on the family’s grief. Supporters have expressed sympathy, emphasizing the need for caution during recreational activities on the Jersey Shore. The children’s vibrant personalities—Mya’s love for sports and the beach, Siggy’s adventurous spirit—will be remembered through the loving words of their family and the community that knew them. In the wake of this tragedy, the Golabek family stands united in mourning, while also finding comfort in the legacy of two beautiful children who left an indelible mark on everyone they touched. The investigation will provide more answers, but for now, the focus remains on healing, remembrance, and the enduring love that connects families even in the darkest times. The Jersey Shore, once a place of joy and relaxation, now carries this somber memory, but the community’s support ensures that the Golabek family is not alone in their sorrow. As days turn to weeks, the story of Mya and Siggy will live on in stories shared by those who knew them, a testament to their sweetness, activity, and the special bond that defined their short but meaningful lives.