Little Muskego Lake boating accident, 10-year-old dead; DNR investigating

Little Muskego Lake boating accident, 10-year-old dead

A 10-year-old died in a boating accident at Idle Isle Park on Little Muskego Lake on Saturday, June 7, 2025.

MUSKEGO, Wis. - A 10-year-old child died in a boating accident on Little Muskego Lake on Saturday, June 7, 2025.

Accident details

What we know:

According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), at about10 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, the Muskego Police Department and Tess Corners Fire Department responded to a reported boat accident at Idle Isle Park on Little Muskego Lake.

Locations of Idle Isle Park, Little Muskego Lake

Preliminary investigations suggest a boat operated by a 74-year-old man with one other person on board struck the stationary boat with three people on board, including the child.

A 10-year-old child was injured in the boating accident. Immediate care was provided at the scene before the child was taken to a local hospital.

Little Muskego Lake

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The child died from their injuries at the hospital.

No other significant injuries were reported.

What they're saying:

"It makes me really sad. Because they were just trying to enjoy themselves," said Camila Gonzalez of Milwaukee. 

"Things like that can happen and it’s scary," said James Bauer of Waukesha. 

By the numbers:

The Little Muskego Lake incident is the fifth boating fatality statewide in 2025. To date, that is the same number from 2024.

"Everyone needs to know the rules and which boats have the right a way in certain circumstances," said Lt. Conservation Warden Drew Starch of the Wisconsin DNR. 

Lt. Drew Starch

The DNR reminds boaters to always have a proper fitting life jacket for everyone on board, do not operate a boat while under the influence, and know the rules of the waters. 

"Anyone born on or after January 1 of 1989 is required to complete a boater safety education course and have that certificate with them when they are operating on the waters," Starch said. 

DNR tips

What you can do:

The accident remains under investigation by the DNR with assistance from the Muskego Police Department.

Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the DNR’s confidential Violation Hotline or by calling 1-800-847-9367 or to contact the Muskego Police Department at 262-679-4130.