Batavia child who drowned in Lake Geneva boat accident was an ‘amazing girl,’ family says in online fundraiser
The family of the third child who drowned last week after her boat capsized in Geneva Lake during a massive storm said the young girl’s “kindness and joy touched everyone she met” in an online fundraiser.
The family identified Kathryn Schmidt, 10, of Batavia, on the verified GoFundMe that launched late Wednesday. Her two cousins, 7-year-old Abigail Oswald and 6-year-old Caleb Oswald, also died in the July 3 boating incident.
“Kate was an amazing girl with a bubbly personality, and she didn’t have a mean bone in her body,” her family said. “Whether you met her once or knew her well, she would brighten your life any time of day.”
The fundraiser went on to say Schmidt loved playing tennis and softball, spending time with animals, painting and hanging out with friends.
Her family said the money raised will go toward helping children in need who can’t afford sports like tennis or softball, or who wish to adopt animals.
“This is something that will keep her memory shining in our lives and in the lives of others, carrying forward the love and generosity she always showed,” it said.
The Oswald family also said they hope to donate money to support children on a separate verified GoFundMe. The family said Abigail “was kind, loving, and wise beyond her years” and that Caleb “had the sweetest heart and a smile that could brighten anyone’s day.” The siblings attended Lincoln Elementary School in Wheaton, officials said.
The children were among 10 people who were aboard a privately owned 25-foot 2024 Nautique P25 Friday afternoon as a massive storm swept into the region, capsizing the vessel and sending all the passengers overboard.
The Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency could not be reached for comment Thursday. In a news release Monday, officials said that the passengers ranged in ages from 6 to 75. Investigation records show that all the children on board the vessel were wearing life jackets of proper size and fit, authorities said.
They added that the man operating the boat had “extensive boating experience” and had sought shelter as the weather rolled in, but conditions deteriorated too quickly.
According to the National Weather Service, the storm brought winds between 90 and 100 mph to Walworth County, where Geneva Lake and the longtime vacation destination Lake Geneva are located. That’s roughly equivalent to winds that would come with a Category 2 hurricane.
Onlookers also drew comparisons between Friday’s storm and hurricanes in interviews with the Tribune, reporting 6-foot whitecaps and flipped-over boats amid “vicious” winds.
• Chicago Tribune reporter Caroline Kubzansky also contributed.