The third child killed in a Lake Geneva boating crash has been identified by family members as they hope to raise money for children’s charities in her honor.
Kathryn Schmidt, 10, was identified in a fundraiser set up by her family. The funds raised will go to children who can’t afford to play the sports she enjoyed, such as tennis and softball, and also to help those wanting to adopt an animal.
As of late Thursday afternoon, the fundraiser has garnered nearly $77,000 — nearly all of its $80,000 goal.
“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,” Kathryn’s family said in a post attached to the fundraiser.
Kathryn — “Kate” to many — “didn’t have a mean bone in her body,” according to the post.
“Her kindness and joy touched everyone she met, and our family will miss her deeply,” relatives wrote.
Kathryn is the cousin of siblings 6-year-old Caleb Oswald and 7-year-old Abigail Oswald, who also died in the accident, according to the post.
The Batavia Public School District 101, where Kate was a student, offered condolences in a statement Thursday.
“Our hearts are with all of the families affected by this unimaginable tragedy,” the school district’s statement said.
A similar fundraiser was launched by the family of siblings to raise funds for children’s charities in their memory. Over $220,000 has been raised for that fundraiser.
The three children were on a boat that capsized on Lake Geneva, Wisconsin last Friday as a severe storm system swept across the area, with winds peaking between 90 and 100 mph.