LAKE GENEVA — Three children died when a boat capsized on Geneva Lake on Friday as a massive storm swept through the area.
Seven other people, six adults and one child, were rescued, authorities said. All of the children were wearing life jackets.
According to a news release from the Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency, all 10 were passengers on a privately owned recreational motorboat that was attempting to "navigate to safety as weather conditions deteriorated."
The release said that after the adults and child were rescued, responders were told that three children were missing.
The missing children were found and lifesaving measures were administered at the scene and in transit to medical facilities, according to the release, but all three were later pronounced dead.
The identities of those involved were being withheld pending formal family notifications, and the circumstances surrounding the capsizing remain under investigation.
A video by a passenger on another boat that was on Geneva Lake around the same time showed wind-whipped waves and rain lashing the boat. That boat safely made it to shore.
State of emergency
The City of Lake Geneva declared a state of emergency after the storms passed through the area, resulting in widespread damage.
The storm started at 12:10 p.m. and moved quickly from southwest to northeast across Walworth County, according to Walworth County Undersheriff Tom Hausner.
The storm "greatly affected" Walworth, Sharon, Lake Geneva and other areas. Hausner said the Town of Geneva suffered "massive damage" to houses, and trees were down across most roads.
Hausner said there were many 911 calls reporting trees down, damaged buildings and people trapped in collapsed buildings. He said fallen trees and power lines delayed emergency response.
He said power lines are "all over the place" and urged people to stay away for their safety.
Alliant Energy reported that about 11,400 customers in the area were without power Friday night.
All off-duty deputies were called in, and Walworth County asked for help from Rock, Kenosha and Jefferson counties as well as the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Lake Geneva, a city of under 9,000 people, swells during a typical summer weekend, which Hausner said already stresses law enforcement.
In a posting on Facebook, the Lake Geneva Police Department said the city was "deploying all available resources to address immediate hazards, restore services, and ensure public safety."
The storm resulted in numerous downed trees and power lines, and one person sustained minor injuries after being struck by a falling tree, the posting said.
Donian Park and Oak Hill Cemetery are closed until further notice, and Flat Iron Park and Library Park will be temporarily closed while debris is removed and the areas are secured.
The post also asked residents to check on neighbors and to avoid areas with storm damage to allow emergency and utility crews to safely complete cleanup and restoration efforts.
