Updated Pres Release from the Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency concerning the tragic incident that occurred on Friday, July 3, 2026.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency (GLLEA) are conducting a joint investigation into a tragic, fatal boating incident that occurred on the afternoon of Friday, July 3, 2026, on the waters of Geneva Lake.
The Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency extends its deepest, most heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and everyone affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.
Out of respect for the family enduring this horrendous event, the names of the individuals involved are not being released at this time.
On Friday afternoon, a sudden and severe storm system swept across Walworth County and the surrounding area. The National Weather Service estimated peak winds during the event to be between 90 and 100 mph. The storm produced severe downburst winds that downed hundreds of trees and damaged several buildings, rapidly creating extremely hazardous boating conditions on Geneva Lake.
GLLEA received multiple emergency complaints regarding capsized boats and individuals in the water. While all other distress calls were resolved positively, one incident resulted in a severe tragedy.
A privately owned 25-foot 2024 Nautique P25 vessel, which features a maximum capacity of 19 passengers, was navigating the lake during the storm. The boat was being operated by a 47-year-old male with extensive boating experience. Nine additional passengers were on board, including:
A 75-year-old male
A 73-year-old female
A 49-year-old female
A 46-year-old male
A 44-year-old female
A 12-year-old male
A 10-year-old female
A 7-year-old female
A 6-year-old male
The occupants were residents of Batavia, Illinois; Wheaton, Illinois; and Fontana, Wisconsin. Initial investigation records show that all juveniles on board the vessel were wearing life jackets of proper size and fit.
As boating conditions rapidly deteriorated, the operator attempted to seek safe refuge. Unable to find safe harbor, the operator relied on his training and experience, turning the vessel directly into the wind. The vessel was struck by at least two large waves that broke over the bow, causing the vessel to take on a significant amount of water and begin to list to one side. The vessel was then struck by an additional large wave to its side, causing it to roll, capsize, and send all 10 occupants into the water. After capsizing, the vessel quickly sank below the waterline.
Following an immediate 911 notification from a passing vessel, emergency responders initiated a rapid rescue operation. First responde rs successfully recovered seven individuals—six adults and one child—before being alerted that three children remained unaccounted for. Following an intensive search, divers located the sunken vessel in 32 feet of water. The three missing children—ages 10, 7, and 6, were located inside. Divers were able to free the children from the vessel and bring them to the surface.
Lifesaving measures were administered immediately at the scene by emergency personnel and continued continuously during transit to local medical facilities. Despite these exhaustive efforts, all three children were later pronounced deceased. Preliminary medical information indicates the children suffered no external injuries, and the preliminary cause of death is consistent with freshwater drowning.
We recognize the extraordinary, immediate efforts of the City of Lake Geneva PoliceDepartment, the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office, the Town of Linn Police Department, the Lake County Illinois Sheriff’s Office, the City of Lake Geneva Fire Department, the Village of Fontana Fire Department, the Hebron Illinois Fire Department, MABAS Division 103 Dive Team, MABAS Division 4 & 5 Sonar Team, the Water Safety Patrol, the Walworth County Medical Examiner’s Office, and all first responders who risked their own safety in an attempt to save lives during this horrible tragedy. We also would like to thank Austin Pier Service with their assistance that they provided.
No further details are available. The investigation is continuing.
Commander Craig Rasmussen
Editor’s note: TomTheWeatherman provides analysis of the devastating storm on this video.
this video
