Wealthy couple lose BOTH of their young children in horrific Wisconsin boat sinking that killed three kids, as family friend says youngsters were wearing life jackets

By NATASHA ANDERSON, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 18:26, 8 July 2026 | Updated: 18:58, 8 July 2026 A couple lost both their children in a horrific boating accident that saw three children drown when a raging storm swept through Wisconsin and capsized the vessel. Abigail Oswald, seven, and her six-year-old brother Caleb drowned last Friday when the 25-foot Nautique P25 boat they were on sank on Lake Geneva. Abigail and Caleb, described by their father Brad as 'best friends,' were found at the bottom of the lake in their life jackets.  Brad has launched a GoFundMe campaign to establish a fund that will be gifted to a children's charity in Abigail and Caleb's memory. 'While our hearts are broken beyond words, we want their legacy to be one of hope, compassion, and helping others,' the devastated father wrote. The siblings were 'deeply loved by their family, friends, teachers, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing them,' he said. 'They filled our home with laughter, music, hugs, and endless love.'  A 10-year-old girl, who has not been publicly identified, also drowned in the tragic accident.  All three children were wearing life jackets and the boat was 'well within its capacity' when it capsized, a friend of the Oswald family has now revealed. Brad and Erica Oswald are mourning the deaths of their children Abigail, seven, and Caleb, six Abigail and Caleb, described by their father Brad as 'best friends,' were found at the bottom of Lake Geneva on Friday after a boating accident Rescue boats on Lake Geneva Friday after three children were found unconscious on a sunken boat 32 feet underwater Samantha Foster, who shared the crowdfunder in a community group on Facebook, said Brad and his wife, Erica, are 'dear friends of mine.' 'They were lifelong, experienced boaters, on a vessel well within its capacity, and every child was wearing a life jacket. The storm came out of nowhere and left just as fast,' she said, urging people to donate and pray for the couple. 'These loving, devoted parents just lost their entire world, and they deserve nothing but peace and respect.' In the GoFundMe, Brad shared how Abigail was 'full of personality' and had a 'huge heart for others.' She dreamed of becoming a teacher someday so she could help other children learn and grow. The seven-year-old loved swimming and dancing, and 'had the quickest wit of anyone her family knew,' the fundraiser said. Caleb loved trucks, music and Chick-fil-A, and often shared how he wanted to work for the fast food chain someday. His father said the little boy had the 'sweetest heart' and a 'smile that could brighten anyone's day.' 'Caleb found happiness in the simple things, and his laughter and excitement were contagious,' his father added.  Abigail was 'full of personality' and had a 'huge heart for others, her family says Caleb loved trucks, music and Chick-fil-A, and often shared how he wanted to work for the fast food chain someday. His father said he had the 'sweetest heart' and a 'smile that could brighten anyone's day' The siblings were 'deeply loved by their family, friends, teachers, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing them,' their father says. 'They filled our home with laughter, music, hugs, and endless love' Brad, 46, and Erica, 49, live in a $1.2 million home in picturesque Wheaton, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. They appear to be active members of their community, with Brad serving as the owner and operator of a local towing company.  The company, Todd's Towing & Recovery, shared the crowdfunder on its Facebook page Monday, noting how '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 post read. '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.' Erica works as a benefits manager at a major manufacturing company, according to her LinkedIn profile. She has not publicly commented on the tragedy. Abigail, Caleb and the 10-year-old girl were on board a boat with seven others when an 'unprecedented storm' swept through on Friday.  Brad, 46, and Erica Oswald, 49, live in a $1.2 million home in picturesque Chicago suburb of Wheaton, Illinois The boat was a 2024 Nautique P25, which is a similar model to the one pictured  Four children, including one who survived, and six adults were on the 25-foot vessel when the storms hit, causing three waves to hit it and capsize it  The storm sent two large waves crashing over the bow, causing the boat to take on a 'significant amount of water and begin to list to one side.' A third wave then struck and caused the vessel to capsize sending all ten occupants, who ranged in age from six to 75, into the water. After capsizing, the 25-foot boat quickly sank to the bottom of the lake. A passing boat immediately called 911, which allowed authorities to save seven passengers, including a 12-year-old boy. But the remaining children could not be found and were later discovered by divers 32 feet below the water level. They were brought to the surface, and life-saving measures were administered. They were taken to local medical facilities, where they were later pronounced dead.  Preliminary reports indicate that the children did not suffer external injuries and their cause of death is consistent with freshwater drowning, police said. A rescue boat on the edge of the lake. The children were wearing life jackets and the vessel was operated by a 46-year-old man with 'extensive' training, police said  The boat was being driven by a 46-year-old man, whom police have not publicly named. Investigators said the driver had 'extensive boating experience.' He was forced to try and navigate the boat through 90 to 100mph winds when the sudden storm rolled in on Friday afternoon damaging trees and buildings. As conditions worsened, the boat's captain attempted to seek refuge but was unable to and so instead turned the vessel into the wind in accordance with his training, investigators said.