NEW JERSEY — A devastating family tragedy on Barnegat Bay has taken another turn after a New Jersey grandfather accused of operating a boat while intoxicated was released from jail while awaiting trial.

Stephen Schneider, 64, of Bayville, was facing serious charges after a July 19 boating crash claimed the lives of his two grandchildren, 9-year-old Mya Bella Golabek and 7-year-old Sigmund Golabek.

Authorities say Schneider was operating a boat on Barnegat Bay when it struck an Intracoastal Waterway channel marker at about 9 p.m. The impact sent the two children into the water.

Both children were wearing life jackets, but they suffered fatal injuries. Despite rescue efforts and CPR, Mya and Sigmund later died at a hospital.

Prosecutors Say His BAC Was Twice the Legal Limit
The case took a significant turn during Schneider’s detention hearing on August 19.

Prosecutors told the court that Schneider’s blood alcohol concentration was approximately 0.16, twice New Jersey’s legal limit of 0.08.

Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor Kate Burke argued that the alcohol level demonstrated the degree of impairment Schneider allegedly had when he chose to operate the vessel.

Schneider had reportedly told investigators that he consumed three beers over approximately two hours during a family dinner before getting back on the boat.

Authorities have accused him of operating the vessel under the influence and driving recklessly, along with two counts of reckless vessel homicide.

Children’s Father Asked the Court to Release Him
One of the most emotionally difficult developments came during the detention hearing when the children’s parents supported Schneider’s release.

The father, Sigmund Golabek, submitted a letter describing Schneider as a loving grandfather and an important part of the family.

The defense argued that Schneider had strong family ties and little meaningful criminal history. His attorney also told the court that Schneider would not operate a boat again and would never drink alcohol again.

The request was especially striking because Schneider is accused of causing the crash that killed the couple’s two children.

Judge Orders Conditional Release
Despite the prosecution’s argument that Schneider should remain detained, Superior Court Judge Wendel Daniels ordered him released under conditions.

Schneider is prohibited from operating a boat or motor vehicle while he undergoes a court-ordered assessment.

He is now awaiting the next stage of the criminal case outside jail.

His next court appearance is scheduled for September 15, 2026.

Questions Remain About the Crash
Schneider’s defense has indicated that investigators are still examining circumstances surrounding the channel marker that the boat struck, including questions about its visibility.

Authorities, however, have maintained that alcohol impairment is a major part of the case. Reports indicate that the navigational marker was illuminated, while investigators also documented the children’s use of life jackets.

The defense has stressed that the crash was not intentional and that Schneider himself was injured in the collision.

A Family Left to Grieve
The tragedy has left the Golabek family facing an unimaginable loss.

Mya, 9, and Sigmund, 7, were on the boat with their grandparents when the nighttime trip across Barnegat Bay ended in disaster.

What followed was a desperate rescue effort. Schneider and his wife searched the water after the children were thrown from the boat and helped bring them back toward shore. Emergency responders continued resuscitation efforts, but neither child survived.

Now, while the criminal case moves forward, Schneider has been allowed to return home under court-ordered restrictions.

The September 15 court appearance could provide the next major development in the case.

For now, Schneider remains accused, not convicted, and the legal process will determine whether prosecutors can prove the charges against him beyond a reasonable doubt.

The latest confirmed development: Schneider has been released from the Ocean County Jail pending trial, cannot operate a boat or motor vehicle under the current conditions, and is scheduled to return to court on September 15.

Sources: New York Post — original report