NJ Grandfather Was Drunk During NJ Boat Crash That Killed Grandkids, Records Show

BERKELEY, NJ — The grandfather who was operating the boat the night of a crash in Barnegat Bay, killing his two grandchildren, has been charged with two counts of reckless vessel homicide, police records show.

Stephen Schneider, 64, was booked in Ocean County Jail on Friday, records show. The charges claim that he was operating the boat while under the influence.

Schneider was driving the boat when it crashed into an Intracoastal Waterway channel marker July 19, throwing 9-year-old Mya Golabek and 7-year-old Sigmund Golabek, into the water, police said.

READ MORE: Support Surges For Family After Fatal Barnegat Bay Boating Crash

Schneider and his 64-year-old wife pulled the children from the water, police previously said.

The siblings lived in Lacey.

"Mya and Siggy were not only brother and sister, but best friends who shared laughter, adventures, and countless memories," their obituaries read. "Now they continue their journey together, hand in hand, carrying their love beyond this world and leaving behind a beautiful reminder of the unbreakable bond they shared."

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