The community of Batavia, Illinois is mourning the death of Kathryn “Kate” Schmidt, a beloved daughter, friend, athlete, and animal lover who tragically lost her life on July 3, 2026, in a boating accident on Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
Kate’s death has left her family and the wider Batavia community heartbroken. According to a memorial fundraiser created by her family, the tragic accident on Lake Geneva also claimed the lives of two of her cousins, deepening the sorrow surrounding an already devastating loss. Those closest to Kate remember her as a bright light with a bubbly personality and a kindness that came naturally. Her family said she “didn’t have a mean bone in her body,” and that whether someone met her once or knew her well, she had a way of brightening their day.
Kate loved tennis and softball, and she also found joy in painting, spending time with animals, and being with friends and family. Tributes from those in the tennis community describe a young girl whose life was filled with warmth, energy, and compassion. In the days following her passing, support has poured in through prayers, meal trains, and community outreach. Rather than flowers, the Schmidt family has chosen to honor Kate’s memory by creating a fund that reflects the things she cared about most: helping children who cannot afford to play sports like tennis and softball, and supporting children who want to adopt animals.
Kathryn “Kate” Schmidt is being remembered in Batavia and beyond as a joyful, caring, and deeply loved young girl whose life touched many people in a short time. As her family grieves an unimaginable loss, they are carrying her legacy forward through acts of kindness that reflect the love, generosity, and happiness Kate brought to others every day.