3 children killed after boat capsizes during storm on Geneva Lake
UPDATED: JULY 5, 2026, 8:50 P.M.
LAKE GENEVA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The National Weather Service has conducted a damage survey for Walworth County. Officials with NWS have confirmed that the 3 people that drowned in the capsized boat was due to the winds associated with the storm.
They also confirmed that damage from south of Darien through Lake Delavan to Como occurred due to downburst winds and not a tornado.
UPDATED: JULY 3, 2026, 8:00 P.M.
LAKE GENEVA, Wis. (CBS 58) - Authorities have released additional details after three children were killed when a boat capsized on Geneva Lake during severe storms Friday afternoon.
According to the Lake Geneva Police Department, a privately owned recreational motorboat carrying 10 people - six adults and four children - was attempting to reach safety as weather conditions rapidly deteriorated.
Investigators say the boat was overwhelmed by strong winds and large waves, took on water, capsized and sank.
Emergency responders launched an immediate rescue operation. Six adults and one child were rescued from the water.
Authorities were then informed that three children were still missing. Following an extensive search, all three were located and recovered from the lake.
Despite lifesaving efforts at the scene, all three children were pronounced dead.
Officials confirmed all four children aboard the boat were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident.
The incident remains under investigation.
POSTED: JULY 3, 2026, 3:08 P.M.
LAKE GENEVA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Officials say three people have died after a boat capsized in Geneva Lake near Big Foot Beach State Park Friday, July 3.
A strong storm quickly moved through the area midday on Friday, with the National Weather Service issuing a tornado warning for parts of southeast Wisconsin.
During a press conference Friday afternoon, officials said seven people were rescued from the water, however three were unable to be saved. The Geneva Lake law enforcement agency and DNR are investigating.
"After the storm dissipated, everyone was getting their bearings about themselves, and then you started to hear the sirens come," said witness Joseph Roberts. "My mom, she was very inquisitive. She walked over where the first cop car was, and there were just a couple parents over there who were just distraught, and she heard- verbally, herself- that they were missing, her kids. Sounded like three to her. "
Lake Geneva police confirm this is an active and ongoing investigation.
Stick with CBS 58 on-air and online for updates.