Stephen Schneider, 64, was piloting the boat when Mya, 9, and Sigmund, 7, died following the devastating crash. Now facing criminal charges, the grandfather has spoken out — while newly revealed court documents point to ONE CRUCIAL DETAIL FROM BEFORE THE COLLISION that investigators say could change everything. As questions continue to surround that tragic night, the latest revelation has left the family and those following the case searching for answers

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows NINTCHDBPICT001101370636, Image 2 shows A boy in a "Heart Breaker" sweatshirt and a girl in a pink shirt smiling, Image 3 shows NINTCHDBPICT001101371278

A GRANDAD who crashed his boat while allegedly drunk, killing his two grandchildren, aged seven and nine, has been charged with homicide.

Stephen Schneider, 64, was arrested after allegedly driving his 30-foot Tidewater 280 into a wood channel marker in Barnegat Bay on July 19.

A boy in a "Heart Breaker" sweatshirt and a girl in a pink shirt smiling.

Little Mya and Siggy were killed in a horror boat crash in July Credit: Facebook

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Stephen Schneider, 64, was allegedly drunk when he crashed the boat Credit: Ocean County Jail Police

Mya Bella Golabek, nine, and her brother Sigmund Paul Golabek, seven, were pulled from the water at the Jersey Shore by Schneider and his wife.

The young pair later died in hospital.

New Jersey State Police said Schneider voluntarily surrendered himself at the Berkley Township Police Department in Ocean County, reports say.

He is currently in jail awaiting a court hearing.

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Siggy pictured with his dad Sigmund Gobalek years before the tragedy Credit: Facebook/Siggy.golabek.2025

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Mya and Siggy pictured with their family before their tragic deaths Credit: Facebook/Siggy.golabek.2025

Schneider now faces two counts of reckless vessel homicide – a second-degree charge – as well as operating a vessel under the influence and reckless operation of a vessel.

One of his grandchildren’s obituaries reads: “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.”

“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.”

Mya was described as an athletic and artistic girl who loved sports and swimming at the beach as well as crafting and drawing.

Sigmund, according to his loved ones, enjoyed baseballbasketball, swimming and spending time with family and friends.

The two kids loved playing with their dogs, Tequila and Captain.

Local authorities said the young boy died despite attempts from emergency services to revive him.

Berkeley Councilman James Byrnes said: “The firemen jumped right in.

“The one child had a life jacket next to him. Of course, with CPR being performed, they’re going to remove it.”

He added: “They’re going to be living with this forever in our hearts, and our thoughts go out to the family.

“This is a real tragedy.”