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 that aims to donate funds to children who can’t afford to play the sports she enjoyed like tennis and softball and for those who wish to adopt an animal.
As of late Thursday morning, the fundraiser has garnered nearly $37,000.
“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 — who many knew as “Kate” — “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.
A spokesperson for the Batavia Public School District 101, where Kate attended school, 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 their family 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 in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin last Friday when the boat capsized as a severe storm system swept across Walworth County with peak winds between 90 and 100 mph.