Mya and Siggy Golabek were known for the things that mattered most to the people who loved them — their bright smiles, playful personalities, and the unbreakable sibling bond they shared.
A summer night that began as a family outing ended in unimaginable heartbreak when the two young siblings were killed in a boating accident, leaving their New Jersey community struggling to understand how such a tragedy could happen.
Mya Bella Golabek was only nine years old. Her younger brother, Sigmund Paul Golabek, affectionately known as “Siggy,” was seven.
The siblings died on July 19, 2026, leaving behind their parents, grandparents, relatives, classmates, teammates, and friends who described them as two children who brought happiness everywhere they went.
Mya and Siggy Golabek were remembered by family members as inseparable siblings who shared countless adventures, laughter, and memories together. | Source: Family Photo
Mya Was Remembered for Her Kind Heart and Competitive Spirit
Born on April 6, 2017, Mya Bella Golabek quickly became known for her caring personality and joyful nature.
Her family’s tribute described her as a sweet and fun-loving child whose smile could brighten any room. Those who knew her said she had a natural ability to make people around her feel loved.
Mya was also a child who loved staying active. Her competitive spirit showed itself through the sports and activities she enjoyed most.
She played softball and basketball, where her determination and energy were always noticeable.
Away from the playing field, Mya loved swimming, spending time at the beach, and crabbing during summer days with her family.
She also enjoyed creative activities like crafting and drawing, giving her a way to express her imagination.
Mya enjoyed sports, the outdoors, and creative activities. Her family remembered her as a child whose kindness and enthusiasm touched everyone around her. | Source: Family Photo
One of the closest bonds in Mya’s life was with the family’s two dogs, Tequila and Captain.
The pets provided companionship and comfort, becoming part of the memories her family will treasure forever.
Her obituary described her as someone whose smile and loving personality left a lasting impression.
“Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our angel,” her family wrote.
Siggy Was His Family’s Little Superhero
Sigmund Paul Golabek was born on November 29, 2018.
In his seven short years, Siggy filled his family’s home with laughter, curiosity, and unforgettable moments.
His family described him as shy and sweet but also adventurous, with a creative imagination and a personality that made him unique.
Like his sister, Siggy loved sports, especially basketball and baseball. He also enjoyed swimming and exploring new interests.
His imagination came alive through his love of Sonic and dinosaurs, which became some of his favorite things.
Siggy was remembered as a playful child with a big imagination, a gentle heart, and the nickname his family cherished — their “little superhero.” | Source: Family Photo
Siggy also shared a special connection with the family dogs, Tequila and Captain.
His family described him as a true “momma’s boy” who loved challenging his mother to games of rock-paper-scissors, often adding playful bets to their competitions.
Because he shared his first name with his father, Sigmund, the two had an especially meaningful connection.
The father and son even had their own special handshake — a small tradition that represented their bond.
“Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever our little superhero,” his family wrote.
A Brother and Sister Who Were Best Friends
For Mya and Siggy, being siblings meant much more than sharing a family.
Their loved ones described them as best friends who experienced life together through games, adventures, and countless happy moments.
Their obituaries shared a message that reflected the bond they had:
“A sibling bond is a love that lasts forever.”
Their family said the two children would continue their journey together “hand in hand,” carrying the love they shared beyond their short lives.
The siblings were remembered as inseparable, with family members saying their connection was something that could never be broken. | Source: Family Photo
Mya and Siggy are survived by their parents, Jennifer and Sigmund Golabek, along with grandparents, extended family members, friends, classmates, and teammates.
Among those listed as grandparents were Laurie and Steven Schneider, whose connection to the children became central to understanding the tragedy that unfolded.
The Night a Family Outing Turned Into Tragedy
At approximately 9:09 p.m. on July 19, New Jersey State Police responded to a serious boat crash near Berkeley Township.
According to the preliminary investigation, a 30-foot Tidewater Custom 280 vessel was traveling through the Intracoastal Waterway when it struck a channel marker in the bay.
The impact sent Mya and Siggy into the water.
Authorities identified the operator as 63-year-old Stephen of Bayville. Laurie, 64, was also aboard the boat.
Police said the children were located in the water after the collision and were found unresponsive.
Both were transported to a hospital in Toms River, where they were pronounced dead.
Sources familiar with the situation said the family had been at MJ’s Restaurant Bar and Grill before the accident, although authorities had not confirmed those details.
Emergency crews responded to the boating accident in Berkeley Township as the community began mourning the loss of the two children. | Source: News Footage
A Life Jacket Was Found Near One Child
Berkeley Township Councilman James Byrnes later shared heartbreaking details about the rescue effort.
“The firemen jumped right in,” he said while speaking with News 12 New Jersey.
He explained that one child had a life jacket nearby, noting that emergency responders remove equipment while performing CPR.
Authorities confirmed the vessel struck Channel Marker 39 in Barnegat Bay.
Officials said the marker was functioning properly and its lights were working at the time.
Investigators have not announced whether factors such as speed, weather conditions, visibility, mechanical issues, or impairment contributed to the crash.
The investigation remains ongoing.
A Community Left Heartbroken
The deaths of Mya and Siggy quickly affected Bayville and surrounding communities.
Residents described the area as close-knit, with many struggling to accept the loss of two children who had so much life ahead of them.
“It’s a very tight community, feeling very disheartened, very sad,” resident Michelle Monticello said.
The tragedy also affected the first responders who rushed to help that night.
Officials expressed concern for the emotional impact the incident would have on those who witnessed the rescue efforts.
“This is a real tragedy,” Councilman Byrnes said.
Community members gathered to remember Mya and Siggy as neighbors struggled with the heartbreaking loss. | Source: Local Community Photos
Family Prepares to Say Goodbye
A joint visitation for Mya and Siggy was scheduled for July 24, 2026, at Riggs Funeral Home in Forked River.
A funeral liturgy followed, with a private cremation afterward.
The family asked mourners to honor the children through donations connected to their passions.
Those wishing to remember Mya were encouraged to support the 10U Storm softball team, while donations honoring Siggy could be made to the Popcorn Park Zoo.
Mya will forever be remembered as her family’s angel.
Siggy will forever remain their little superhero.
Although their lives ended far too soon, their family says the love between the two siblings was something that will never disappear.
