A powerful storm swept through southern Wisconsin on Friday, causing widespread destruction and claiming three lives during the busy Fourth of July holiday weekend. The tragedy occurred when a boat overturned on Geneva Lake, resulting in a massive rescue effort. The storm system moved rapidly across Walworth County, catching residents and visitors off guard.
The boat capsized on Geneva Lake, with multiple people struggling in the water, prompting urgent 911 calls to local dispatchers. A City of Lake Geneva police boat and the Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency responded quickly, rescuing seven people from the water. However, despite their best efforts, three people could not be saved.
The victims' bodies were later recovered by emergency crews. Authorities have not released their identities, but it is known that they were all children. The capsizing is under joint investigation by the Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
The storm surge put a strain on local resources, with the county's population swelling to over 200,000 visitors on holiday weekend. The sheriff's office initiated an emergency call-in of all off-duty deputies and requested mutual aid from neighboring counties and state agencies.
The severe weather caused widespread damage, including downed power lines, shattered trees, damaged buildings, and crushed cars. Numerous storm-related injuries were reported, forcing area hospitals to enact diversions due to the overwhelming volume of patients. A mayoral emergency declaration was issued in response to the chaos.
