Two Young Siblings Pass Away During Family Vacation – What Happened

Mya and Siggy were known for their bright smiles, playful personalities, and an inseparable bond that filled their family's life with joy.

A family's summer getaway ended with two young siblings gone and a close-knit New Jersey community struggling to comprehend the loss. What unfolded shortly after nightfall involved the children, two relatives, and a sudden impact on the water.

Mya Bella Golabek was only nine years old. Her younger brother, Sigmund Paul Golabek, affectionately called "Siggy," was seven.

The siblings died on July 19, 2026, leaving behind parents, relatives, friends, classmates, and teammates who had filled their short lives with love.

Mya Is Remembered for Her Competitive Spirit

Born on April 6, 2017, Mya brought a light into the lives of those around her. Her official obituary describes her as a sweet, fun-loving girl whose kindness and joyful personality made others feel loved.

She enjoyed staying active and possessed a competitive spirit that emerged in almost everything she did. Softball and basketball were among her passions, and her energy and determination were always apparent when she played.

Mya also loved swimming, visiting the beach, and crabbing during warm summer days and nights. Away from sports and the water, she enjoyed crafting and drawing, giving her an outlet to create and share her artistic side.

The nine-year-old had a particularly loving relationship with the family's two dogs, Tequila and Captain. They brought her comfort, companionship, and countless happy memories.

Her obituary also notes that Mya's smile, kind heart, and joyful nature brought happiness wherever she went. Although her life was far too brief, those who knew her are left with memories they will carry forever. "Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our angel," the tribute reads.

Siggy Was His Family's 'Little Superhero'

Siggy was born on November 29, 2018. In his seven years, he filled his family’s home with laughter, love, and memories they say will always be cherished.

According to his official obituary, Siggy was shy and sweet but also adventurous. He possessed a vivid imagination and a distinctive personality that made him deeply special to those around him.

He loved basketball, baseball, swimming, and the adventures that came from exploring his interests. Sonic and dinosaurs were particular favorites, reflecting the playful imagination his family treasured.

Like his sister, Siggy shared a close bond with Tequila and Captain. The dogs were more than pets to him, serving as companions, friends, and sources of affection.

Siggy was also described as a true "momma's boy." He frequently challenged his mother to games of rock-paper-scissors, typically with a playful bet involved.

He shared his first name with his father, creating another meaningful connection between them. The obituary also shares that the father and son had a special handshake that became a small tradition that was uniquely theirs.

Some of Siggy's happiest moments were spent playing and laughing with cousins and friends. His gentle heart, sweet smile, and playful spirit brought happiness to the people around him. "Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever our little superhero," his family wrote.

A Brother and Sister Who Were Also Best Friends

Mya and Siggy shared more than a family name. Their obituaries described them as best friends who experienced laughter, adventures, and countless memories side by side. "A sibling bond is a love that lasts forever," both tributes stated.

The family added that Mya and Siggy will now continue their journey together, "hand in hand," carrying their love beyond this world.

The siblings are survived by their parents, Jennifer and Sigmund Golabek. Their obituaries also list grandparents Laurie and Steven Schneider, Roseann Chiarella, Sigmund Golabek, and Dawn Poppe, along with a large extended family.

But the inclusion of Laurie and Steven among their grandparents soon became crucial to understanding how an ordinary family outing turned into a nightmare.

The Nighttime Trip That Ended in Tragedy

At approximately 9:09 p.m. on July 19, New Jersey State Police troopers were called to a serious vessel crash in the bay area near Berkeley Township. A preliminary investigation found that a 30-foot Tidewater Custom 280 was traveling through the Intracoastal Waterway when it struck a channel marker, Jersey Shore Online reported.

The force of the collision ejected Mya and Siggy into the water. Police identified the vessel's operator as 63-year-old Stephen of Bayville. Laurie, 64, was also aboard the boat.

The children's obituaries list Laurie and Steven among their grandparents. The police account spells the operator's first name "Stephen," while the obituaries use "Steven."

After the collision, Steven and Laurie located both children unresponsive in the water. Mya and Siggy were taken to a nearby hospital in Toms River, where they were pronounced dead. Sources familiar with the incident said the family had left MJ's Restaurant Bar and Grill shortly before the collision.

However, New Jersey State Police had not confirmed that detail. Rescue crews later staged near the pier at MJ's Restaurant.

A Life Jacket Was Found Beside One Child

Berkeley Township Councilman James Byrnes shared another agonizing detail about the response. "The firemen jumped right in...The one child had a life jacket next to him. Of course, with CPR being performed, they're going to remove it," James told News 12 New Jersey.

Authorities said the vessel had struck Channel Marker 39 in Barnegat Bay. James stated that the marker was fully operational that night and that its lights were working.

State police had not said whether speed, weather, impairment, visibility, mechanical trouble, or another issue played a role. The cause remained under investigation, and no additional conclusions have been announced.

A Community Left Shaken

News of the children's deaths quickly devastated Bayville and the surrounding community. Resident Michelle Monticello visited the area to quietly honor them. "It's a very tight community, feeling very disheartened, very sad," she said.

The loss has also weighed heavily on the emergency personnel who responded to the water that night. "We make sure our first responders are taken care of. I have the equipment they need. They're going to be living with this forever in our hearts, and our thoughts go out to the family. This is a real tragedy," James stated.

It Was the Area's Second Fatal Marker Crash in 55 Days

Mya and Siggy's deaths came less than two months after another fatal collision involving a navigation marker on Barnegat Bay. According to New Jersey 101.5, 28-year-old Gunnar Pearson of Barnegat died after the boat he was aboard struck a day marker at approximately 5:45 p.m. on May 25.

Gunnar and his girlfriend were thrown into the water. He was a New Jersey National Guard member and a Barnegat High School graduate.

That meant the July 19 collision involving Mya and Siggy was the second deadly marker crash on Barnegat Bay in just 55 days.

Other Families Have Faced Similar Losses This Summer

The New Jersey tragedy followed another devastating boating incident involving children earlier that month. Weeks ago, three children died after a recreational boat capsized during a sudden severe storm on Geneva Lake in Wisconsin, CBS News reported.

Six adults and four children had been aboard. First responders rescued the adults and one child, but the other three children were later recovered and pronounced dead despite lifesaving efforts.

Officials said all four children had been wearing life jackets. The Wisconsin incident remained under investigation, with authorities warning boaters that dangerous weather can develop rapidly on the water.

Mya and Siggy's Family Prepares to Say Goodbye

A joint visitation for Mya and Siggy is scheduled for Friday, July 24, 2026, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Riggs Funeral Home on North Main Street in Forked River. A funeral liturgy is set for 7:30 p.m., followed by a private cremation.

In place of flowers, mourners are asked to donate to causes reflecting the children's individual passions. Donations in Mya's memory can be directed to the 10U Storm softball team, while those honoring Siggy can support the Popcorn Park Zoo.

Mya is remembered as her family's angel, and Siggy is remembered as their little superhero. Together, they leave behind the story of two siblings whose lives were painfully short, but whose love for each other was described as unbreakable, lasting, and strong enough to continue beyond this world.