Two of three children killed in a tragic boating incident in Lake Geneva over the Fourth of July holiday weekend have been identified as their father released an emotional message about their loss.
Brad Oswald identified his son and daughter, 6-year-old Caleb and 7-year-old Abigail, among the victims of the horrific boating tragedy during Friday’s “unprecedented severe storm.”
“Caleb and Abigail were more than brother and sister—they were best friends. They filled our home with laughter, music, hugs, and endless love,” Oswald wrote in a GoFundMe. “They were deeply loved by their family, friends, teachers, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing them.”
The fundraising page said all donations will not go to the Oswald family, but will instead be donated to a children’s charity in Caleb and Abigail’s memory.
“While our hearts are broken beyond words, we want their legacy to be one of hope, compassion, and helping others,” he wrote.
The message marks the first identities to be released following the holiday weekend devastation.
Caleb and Abigail were among three children killed when what authorities described as a “sudden and severe” storm struck the Lake Geneva area, causing a boat carrying 10 people to take on water, capsize and eventually sink. Six adults and and one child aboard were rescued by first responders.
The three remaining children – ages 10, 7 and 6 years old – were initially reported missing following the incident, but later recovered with the sunken boat underwater and taken to an area hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Each child was wearing a life jacket of “proper size and fit” at the time of the incident, authorities said.
Medical findings showed the three children suffered no external injuries, and the preliminary cause of death was consistent with freshwater drowning.
Officials said Monday the boat’s occupants were from Batavia, Wheaton and Fontana, Wisconsin.
A spokesperson for Wheaton-based Community Unit School District 200 said multiple students who died attended a school within the district.
“On behalf of Community Unit School District 200, our deepest condolences are with the family and friends of the children who died in a tragic boating incident in Lake Geneva on July 3,” the spokesperson said. “We ask that you join us in supporting these families during this difficult time, and keep them in your thoughts as we all cope with this incredible loss.”
Oswald owns a Plainfield towing company known as Todd’s Towing and Recovery.
“Many friends, family members, and members of our community have asked how they can support us during this unimaginable time. In lieu of flowers, meals, gifts, or other expressions of sympathy, we ask that you consider making a donation to this memorial fund,” the company wrote on social media. “The Oswald family will not keep these funds. They will be donated to support children and families through a charitable organization, ensuring Caleb and Abigail’s memory continues to make a positive difference in the lives of others.”
Read Oswald’s full message below:
On July 3, Caleb (age 6) and Abigail (age 7) Oswald lost their lives in a tragic boating accident caused by an unprecedented severe storm on Lake Geneva, WI. This fundraiser is not for the Oswald family—donations will be given to a children’s charity in Caleb and Abigail’s memory. While our hearts are broken beyond words, we want their legacy to be one of hope, compassion, and helping others.
Caleb had the sweetest heart and a smile that could brighten anyone’s day. He loved music so much that he was always asking Alexa to play his favorite songs. As soon as the music started, he would light up, dancing and singing with pure happiness. Caleb was fascinated by trucks of every kind and could spend hours playing with them, talking about them, or getting excited whenever he spotted one. He loved Chick-fil-A so much that he would proudly tell everyone he wanted to work there when he grew up. Caleb found happiness in the simple things, and his laughter and excitement were contagious.
Abigail was full of personality and had the quickest wit of anyone we knew. She always had a funny comment or joke ready and could make everyone around her laugh. She loved swimming, dancing, and filling every room with her energy. She had a huge heart for others and dreamed of becoming a teacher one day because she wanted to help children learn and grow. She was kind, loving, and wise beyond her years.
Caleb and Abigail were more than brother and sister—they were best friends. They filled our home with laughter, music, hugs, and endless love. They were deeply loved by their family, friends, teachers, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing them. Even in the face of this unimaginable tragedy, we hope Caleb and Abigail’s lives will continue to make a difference by helping other children for years to come. Knowing their legacy is bringing hope to other families will help bring some comfort to us as parents.
Many friends, family members, and members of our community have asked how they can support us during this unimaginable time. In lieu of flowers, meals, gifts, or other expressions of sympathy, we ask that you consider making a donation to this charity fund. The Oswald family will not keep these funds. They will be donated to support children and families through a charitable organization, ensuring Caleb and Abigail’s memory continues to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
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
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