Tragic Storm Claims Lives in Wisconsin
A fast-moving storm wreaked havoc in southern Wisconsin on Friday, resulting in the unfortunate deaths of three individuals after a boat capsized on Lake Geneva. This incident struck during what is typically a bustling Fourth of July weekend.
The storm hit Walworth County at about 12:10 p.m., catching many off guard.
In the midst of the chaos, emergency dispatchers received a call concerning a capsized boat with several people in distress in the water.
According to Walworth County Deputy Sheriff Tom Hausner, local law enforcement, along with Lake Geneva police boats, managed to rescue seven individuals. Sadly, three others could not be saved.
Emergency services subsequently recovered the bodies of the deceased.
The identities of those who lost their lives have not yet been disclosed, but officials mentioned to CBS News Chicago that all victims were children.
This tragic capsizing is under investigation by the Lake Geneva Law Enforcement Division in conjunction with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Deputy Hausner noted that while the county has a permanent population of around 106,000, that number can surge to over 200,000 during holidays like the Fourth of July.
“Our resources are being strained—not just in the Sheriff’s Office, but across all law enforcement agencies and emergency services. This has really escalated to an extraordinary level,” Hausner explained.
In response, the Sheriff’s Office activated an emergency call for all off-duty deputies, also seeking additional support from neighboring Rock, Kenosha, and Jefferson counties, along with the Wisconsin State Patrol and DNR.
Just shortly after, Lake Geneva Mayor Todd Kraus declared a state of emergency at 12:18 p.m., as the storm’s strong winds and heavy rain caused downed power lines, uprooted trees, and damaged properties and vehicles.
Reports of storm-related injuries have surged, prompting hospitals in the area to send patients to other facilities due to an overwhelming influx of cases.
Lake Geneva Law Enforcement, along with the Lake Geneva Police Department and the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office, have yet to comment on further inquiries from Fox News Digital.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has directed all inquiries to the Lake Geneva Police Department.
