Batavia Child, 'A Bright Light' Was Killed On Geneva Lake: Fundraiser

BATAVIA, IL — One of the three children killed after a boat capsized over the holiday weekend on Geneva Lake in Wisconsin is confirmed to be from Batavia, according to a verified GoFundMe created by the family that they have since opted to make private.

Kathryn "Kate" Schmidt, 10, and her two cousins, 6-year-old Caleb Oswald and 7-year-old Abigail Oswald, who lived in Wheaton, died July 3 when stormy weather took down a Nautique P25 carrying nine passengers, Patch reported.

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A 47-year-old man "with extensive boating experience" was at the vessel's helm when "boating conditions rapidly deteriorated." The driver tried to get the boat to shore but couldn't find a safe harbor before large waves ultimately sank it, authorities said.

Emergency responders arrived after getting a 911 call and were able to pull six adults and one child from the water.

The three other children—Kate, Caleb and Abigail—were later found inside the boat, which had become submerged in 32 feet of water, according to police.

"Kate was an amazing girl with a bubbly personality, and she didn't have a mean bone in her body," the Schmidt family wrote in the fundraiser. "Whether you met her once or knew her well, she would brighten your life any time of day."

RELATED: Batavia Residents Among Those Aboard Boat That Capsized, Killing 3 Children On Geneva Lake

The Schmidt family said Kate loved playing tennis and softball, spending time with animals, painting and hanging out with her friends.

"Her kindness and joy touched everyone she met, and our family will miss her deeply," they wrote in the fundraising campaign.

The fundraiser, which had collected nearly $40,000 toward its $80,000 goal of early Thursday afternoon, aims to raise money to help children in need.

"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," the family wrote. "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."

A GoFundMe fundraiser was also created by the Oswald family to raise donations for a children's charity in Caleb and Abigail's memory. The campaign has raised more than $228,000.

"Caleb and Abigail were more than brother and sister—they were best friends," the campaign said. "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."

RELATED: GoFundMe Started In Memory Of 2 IL Children Who Died In Geneva Lake Boating Tragedy