A New Jersey grandfather has been charged with homicide after police say he was intoxicated while operating the boat that crashed into a channel marker, killing his two young grandchildren at the Jersey Shore last month.

Stephen Schneider, 64, was arrested Friday in connection with the July 19 crash in Barnegat Bay that claimed the lives of siblings Mya Bella Golabek, 9, and Sigmund Paul Golabek, 7.

Authorities allege Schneider was operating his 30-foot Tidewater 280 while impaired by alcohol when the boat slammed into a wooden channel marker at around 9 p.m.

The impact sent the two children into the dark waters.

Schneider and his wife pulled Mya and Sigmund from the water, but both children were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they died.

New Jersey State Police said Schneider voluntarily surrendered at the Berkeley Township Police Department in Ocean County.

He was subsequently taken to the Ocean County Jail, where he remained pending a future court appearance.

Schneider faces two counts of reckless vessel homicide/death by vessel, a second-degree offense, along with charges of operating a vessel under the influence and reckless operation of a vessel.

Police have not released Schneider’s blood-alcohol concentration at the time of the crash.

The tragedy has devastated the family and shaken the Jersey Shore community.

Mya and Sigmund were remembered as more than siblings — they were described by their family as best friends who shared an exceptionally close bond.

“A sibling bond is a love that lasts forever,” one of the children’s obituaries said.

“Mya and Siggy were not only brother and sister, but best friends who shared laughter, adventures, and countless memories.”

Mya was remembered as an artist and athlete who loved sports, swimming at the beach, crafting and drawing.

Her younger brother, Sigmund, was also passionate about sports and enjoyed baseball, basketball and swimming, as well as spending time with relatives and friends.

The siblings also shared a love for their family’s dogs, Tequila and Captain.

Berkeley Councilman James Byrnes said he witnessed part of the desperate rescue effort after the crash.

He recalled seeing the young boy wearing a life jacket as first responders attempted to revive him.

“The firemen jumped right in,” Byrnes told News 12 New Jersey.

He said emergency crews worked frantically to save the children but were unable to revive them.

The tragedy sent shock waves through the normally quiet waterfront community.

“They’re going to be living with this forever in our hearts, and our thoughts go out to the family,” Byrnes said.

“This is a real tragedy.”

Schneider, who public records show owns a waterfront home in Bayville, now faces the criminal case stemming from the crash that ended the lives of his two grandchildren.

The allegations against him remain accusations unless and until proven in court.

Source: nypost.com