3 children dead after boat capsizes in Wisconsin’s Lake Geneva during Friday storms
This image made from video provided by WISN-TV shows law enforcement use search boats in Geneva Lake, Wis., after receiving calls of an overturned boat on Friday, July 3, 2026. (WISN-TV via AP)
By Associated Press
PUBLISHED: July 4, 2026 at 8:20 AM CDT | UPDATED: July 4, 2026 at 1:45 PM CDT
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LAKE GENEVA, Wis. — Three children died and seven others were rescued Friday after a boat capsized in Geneva Lake as a strong storm passed through southern Wisconsin, an official said.
Many injuries were reported in Wisconsin’s Walworth County after the storm toppled trees, knocked down power lines and damaged buildings, said Tom Hausner, undersheriff for the Walworth County Sheriff’s department.
According to the Lake Geneva Police Department’s Facebook page, a privately owned recreational motorboat carrying ten occupants —six adults and four children — attempted to navigate to safety as weather conditions deteriorated. While underway, “the vessel was overwhelmed by severe wind and waves, took on water, capsized and subsequently sank.”
Six adults and one child were successfully rescued from the water, authorities said. Following an intensive search, the three missing children were located and recovered from the lake, the Facebook post said.
“Lifesaving measures were administered immediately at the scene and continued by emergency medical personnel during transit to local medical facilities,” the post said. “Despite these exhaustive efforts, all three children were later pronounced deceased.”
Officials confirmed that all four children on board were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident.
“This incident serves as a reminder of how quickly severe weather can develop on area waterways,” Lake Geneva police said. “We strongly urge all boaters to closely monitor weather forecasts, remain vigilant of changing atmospheric conditions, and seek safe harbor immediately when threatening weather approaches.”
Police in the city of Lake Geneva are investigating, Hausner said. Officials there didn’t immediately respond to an email and voice message from The Associated Press seeking more information.
Lake Geneva Mayor Todd Krause declared an emergency and said that one person had minor injuries after being struck by a falling tree. Several areas of the city were experiencing power outages, he said in a statement.
Hausner said county authorities received multiple 911 calls reporting damage and people trapped in buildings and seeking help. He said deputies responded immediately but were delayed by downed power lines and trees blocking streets.
“Power lines are all over the place. We are urging people to stay away,” he said.
Hausner said his agency asked for help from law enforcement in nearby counties and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Geneva Lake, in southern Wisconsin, attracts tourists from the Chicago area and other parts. The population in Walworth County, where the lake is located, nearly doubles during holiday weekends, Hausner said.
The storms that rolled through the Midwest on Friday afternoon and evening prompted multiple cities to cancel holiday festivals and reschedule fireworks displays.
The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, saying the forecast showed heavy rain Friday with lingering showers into Independence Day and a continued chance of showers and thunderstorms throughout the weekend.
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