A 10-year-old child who was among three young kids killed in a horrific boating tragedy in Lake Geneva over the Fourth of July holiday weekend has been identified as her family released a heartfelt tribute remembering her and her two cousins who tragically passed away.
Kathryn “Kate” Schmidt, of Batavia, is being remembered by family as “an amazing girl with a bubbly personality” who “didn’t have a mean bone in her body.”
“Whether you met her once or knew her well, she would brighten your life any time of day. She loved playing tennis and softball, spending time with animals, painting, and hanging out with her friends—whether it was on the court, at the pool, or just being with family,” a fundraising page set up in her honor read. “Her kindness and joy touched everyone she met, and our family will miss her deeply.”
Schmidt was the cousin of 6-year-old Caleb and 7-year-old Abigail Oswald, two siblings who also died in the heartbreaking accident sparked by a sudden severe storm that tore through the region Friday.
“In her ten short years, Kate filled the lives of everyone who knew her with love, laughter, and endless joy. She possessed a beautiful combination of elegance, determination, and a bright, bubbly personality that made friends wherever she went,” her obituary read. “Her smile was contagious, her heart was generous, and she had a remarkable ability to make others feel welcome, valued, and loved.”
Kate attended Grace McWayne Elementary School in Batavia, where she not only competed in athletics, but was a “talented singer who loved performing with her choir” and enjoyed expressing herself through painting.
She was passionate about tennis, training with Five Star Tennis in Plainfield, Vaughan Tennis Club in Aurora, and Hendricks Elite Academy in Lockport, “where her dedication and love for the game quickly set her apart,” her family said.
Family said Kate would be remembered for more than just her tennis skills, but also for her “kindness and enthusiasm,” along with her “compassion and generosity.”
“She was a loving daughter, a devoted sister, and a treasured granddaughter whose love brought immeasurable happiness to those closest to her. Though her time here was far too brief, the memories she created and the love she shared will remain in the hearts of all who knew her forever,” her obituary read.
Her family set up a GoFundMe page in Kate’s memory, requesting donations to help other children in need.
“The funds raised will help children in need who can’t afford sports like tennis or softball, or who wish to adopt animals,” her family wrote. “This is something that will keep her memory shining in our lives and in the lives of others, carrying forward the love and generosity she always showed.”
Kate and her cousins were tragically killed when the boat they were on, along with seven others, capsized and sank during severe storms last week.
Six adults and and one child aboard were rescued by first responders, but the three children were later discovered by first responders still with the sunken boat. 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.
“Caleb and Abigail were more than brother and sister—they were best friends. They filled our home with laughter, music, hugs, and endless love,” the Oswald family wrote in a similar GoFundMe aimed at raising money for charity in their children’s memory. “They were deeply loved by their family, friends, teachers, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing them.”
“While our hearts are broken beyond words, we want their legacy to be one of hope, compassion, and helping others,” the family wrote.
Read the full Oswald family statement here and read the full Schmidt family statement below:
Kathryn Schmidt, or as most people knew her, Kate, was a bright light in our lives, and her loss has left our family heartbroken. On July 3, a tragic boating accident on Lake Geneva took Kate from us, along with her two cousins. Kate was an amazing girl with a bubbly personality, and she didn’t have a mean bone in her body. Whether you met her once or knew her well, she would brighten your life any time of day. She loved playing tennis and softball, spending time with animals, painting, and hanging out with her friends—whether it was on the court, at the pool, or just being with family. Her kindness and joy touched everyone she met, and our family will miss her deeply.
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. We don’t want anyone to feel obligated to give more, but we are starting this fundraiser to honor Kate’s memory in a way that reflects her passions. Instead of making donations at the funeral home or giving flowers, please use this link to help raise money to support Kate’s memory. The funds raised will help children in need who can’t afford sports like tennis or softball, or who wish to adopt animals. This is something that will keep her memory shining in our lives and in the lives of others, carrying forward the love and generosity she always showed.
If you feel moved, please help us continue Kate’s legacy by supporting children in need. 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.
Sincerely, the Schmidt Family.
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