Storm Hits Southern Wisconsin

A severe storm struck southern Wisconsin on Friday, resulting in three fatalities when a boat overturned on Lake Geneva. This tragic incident unfolded during the busy Fourth of July weekend.

The chaos began around 12:10 p.m. local time as a powerful storm moved into Walworth County. Emergency dispatchers received calls about a capsized boat and multiple individuals in distress in the water.

Deputy Sheriff Tom Hausner of Walworth County reported that local police and rescue boats managed to save seven people from the water, but unfortunately, three could not be rescued. Emergency services later recovered the bodies.

While authorities have not disclosed the victims’ identities, it has been reported that they were all children.

This incident is currently under investigation by both the Lake Geneva Law Enforcement Division and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Hausner noted that the area’s permanent population is roughly 106,000, but on holiday weekends like this one, that number can swell to over 200,000. “Our resources are under pressure,” he said, adding that law enforcement and emergency services are struggling to cope with the surge in visitors.

The Sheriff’s Office issued an emergency call for all off-duty deputies and sought assistance from neighboring counties, as well as the Wisconsin State Patrol and DNR. Mayor Todd Kraus declared a state of emergency at 12:18 p.m. due to high winds and heavy rain that caused damage, including downed power lines and uprooted trees.

Injuries related to the storm were reported, and local hospitals found themselves overwhelmed by the influx of patients.

Lake Geneva law enforcement, the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources have not immediately provided further comments on the situation.