Honoring their memories
Families of the children who drown seeking to preserve their legacies
HOLIDAY WEEKEND TRAGEDY
The families of the three children who drowned July 3 after a boat capsized during a severe storm on Geneva Lake are benefitting a children's charity and forming a legacy fund to honor their memories.
According to the Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency, the boat was struck by at least two large waves, which caused it to take on a significant amount of water and begin to list to one side.
The vessel rolled and capsized after being struck by an additional wave.
All 10 people aboard ended up in the water, and the boat sank.
A rapid rescue operation was initiated after a passing boat called 911. Responders recovered six adults and one child, and three children remained unaccounted for.
The missing children, 10-year-old Kate Schmidt of Batavia, Illinois, and 7-year-old Abigail Oswald and 6-year-old Caleb Oswald, of Wheaton, Illinois, were found inside.
Divers were able to free the children and bring them to the surface, where emergency personnel administered lifesaving measures at the scene and during transit to local medical facilities.
All three children, who were cousins, later were pronounced dead.
Abigail and Caleb Oswald
The Oswald family has set up a GoFundMe in Abigail and Caleb's honor, with proceeds going to a children's charity.
"While our hearts are broken beyond words, we want their legacy to be one of hope, compassion, and helping others," the Oswald family said on the donation page.
The family described Caleb on the donation page as having the "sweetest heart and a smile that could brighten anyone's day."
They said he loved music and Chick-Fil-A so much that he wanted to work there when he grew up.
The family described Abigail as "full of personality and had the quickest wit of anyone they knew."
She was described as wise beyond her years, kind, loving, and had a huge heart for others, the page read.
The Oswald family decided to set up the donation page after family, friends and community members asked how they can help.
"Thank you for honoring Caleb and Abigail in a way that reflects the love, kindness, and joy they brought to everyone who knew them. With sincere gratitude, The Oswald Family." the page reads.
Kate Schmidt
The Schmidt family plans to create a legacy fund for children who might not be able to afford sports — such as tennis and softball, which were two of Kate's favorites — or for children who wish to adopt rescue animals.
"Kate was an amazing girl with a bubbly personality, and she didn't have a mean bone in her body," the GoFundMe donation page reads. "Whether you met her once or knew her well, she would brighten your life any time of day."
Kate loved playing tennis, softball, spending time with animals and friends and her family is going to miss her kindness deeply, the page said.
"In the days since her passing, we have been overwhelmed by the support from our community. Many have helped us through meal trains and acts of kindness, and we are grateful for every gesture," the family said on the page.
"Your support will help us turn our heartbreak into hope for others and ensure that Kate's spirit lives on through acts of kindness and opportunity. The Schmidt Family would also like to give special thanks to Lake Geneva Police, surrounding departments and all of the first responders for their compassion as we mourn the loss of our beloved Kate," the family said.
