Boat Capsizes in Geneva Lake Amid Storm, Resulting in Three Deaths and Several Rescues

LAKE GENEVA, Wis. (AP) – A tragic incident occurred in Geneva Lake on Friday, where three individuals lost their lives, and seven others were rescued after a boat capsized during a storm. This event happened as a significant storm affected southern Wisconsin, according to Tom Hausner, the undersheriff for the Walworth County Sheriff’s Department.

Many injuries were reported throughout Walworth County due to the storm, which caused trees to fall, power lines to collapse, and buildings to sustain damage. While specific details about the deceased and those rescued remain unknown, local police in Lake Geneva are conducting an investigation. The Associated Press reached out to officials for further details but received no immediate response.

Lake Geneva Mayor Todd Krause declared a state of emergency, noting that one person suffered minor injuries from a tree that fell. The storm caused several power outages throughout the city, as stated in Krause’s release. Authorities received numerous 911 calls related to damage and individuals trapped and seeking assistance, but their response efforts faced delays due to obstacles like downed power lines and blocked streets.

“Power lines are all over the place. We are urging people to stay away,” Hausner emphasized.

The sheriff’s department has requested additional support from nearby counties and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Geneva Lake, a popular destination for Chicago-area tourists, sees its population double during holiday weekends. The Midwest storm on Friday afternoon and evening led to the cancellation of holiday events in multiple cities, with fireworks displays rescheduled.

The National Weather Service had issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Lake Geneva, indicating heavy rainfall on Friday and additional showers and thunderstorms possible throughout the Independence Day weekend.