Three children under age 10 killed after boat capsized on Geneva Lake
The three children killed on Geneva Lake after their boat capsized during storms have been identified as a 6-year-old boy, 7-year-old girl, and 10-year-old girl.
LAKE GENEVA, Wis. —
The three children killed on Geneva Lake after their boat capsized during Friday’s storms have been identified as a 6-year-old boy, 7-year-old girl, and 10-year-old girl.
In a release on Monday afternoon, Geneva Lake police said the 47-year-old man operating the boat had extensive boating experience.
Police said all of the children on board were wearing life jackets of proper size and fit.
Seven people on board were rescued, including a 12-year-old boy and the boat operator.
Police said the operator attempted to seek safe refuge when conditions deteriorated, but the vessel was struck by at least two large waves that broke over the bow, causing it to take on water. The boat then capsized, sending all on board into the water.
Police said divers found the vessel in 32 feet of water with the three child victims inside.
Police said the children suffered no external injuries and the preliminary cause of death is freshwater drowning.
The group on board was residents of Batavia, Illinois; Wheaton, Illinois; and Fontana, Wisconsin.
The National Weather Service confirmed Sunday that the storm packed winds of 90 to 100 miles per hour. They left widespread damage across Walworth County.
The investigation is ongoing.