NEW BERLIN, WI — Community Grieves the Heartbreaking Loss of Young Ellis Jessel Following Tragic Boating Accident on Little Muskego Lake
NEW BERLIN, WI — Community Grieves the Heartbreaking Loss of Young Ellis Jessel Following Tragic Boating Accident on Little Muskego Lake
NEW BERLIN, Wis. — An overwhelming wave of sorrow has swept through the close-knit community of New Berlin as residents come to terms with the devastating loss of Ellis Jessel, a beloved 4th-grade student at Orchard Lane Elementary School. Ellis tragically passed away over the weekend following a boating accident on Little Muskego Lake, leaving family, friends, classmates, and educators heartbroken and struggling to comprehend the sudden and profound loss.
The fatal incident occurred during what was meant to be a joyful and relaxing outing on the lake, a cherished spot for local families to unwind and enjoy the summer season. According to preliminary reports, the accident happened under circumstances that remain under investigation by the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office and local marine authorities. Emergency responders were dispatched swiftly, but despite life-saving efforts at the scene and later at the hospital, Ellis could not be revived.
A Young Light Extinguished Too Soon
Ellis Jessel, just 9 years old, was widely known within the Orchard Lane Elementary School community for a spirit that was as bright as it was kind. Teachers and classmates remember Ellis as an enthusiastic learner, a friend to all, and a child who brought joy to the classroom with a big smile and an even bigger heart.
“Ellis was the kind of student every teacher dreams of,” said one of Ellis’s teachers in a tearful statement. “Kind, curious, always willing to help others. The classroom feels emptier without that light.”
Ellis was known not only for academic excellence, but also for a love of nature, animals, art, and music. Friends describe a child who had a knack for storytelling and often volunteered to read aloud during class, brightening everyone’s day with animated voices and expressive delivery.
A Community United in Mourning
In the days following the tragedy, the New Berlin community has rallied together in support of the Jessel family. A growing memorial now stands outside Orchard Lane Elementary — a poignant collection of flowers, drawings, stuffed animals, candles, and hand-written notes from classmates and families, expressing their love, sorrow, and support.
New Berlin School District officials have mobilized crisis counselors and grief support teams for students and staff, acknowledging the deep emotional toll such a loss has on a school community. An emergency parent meeting was also held to help families guide their children through grief and loss.
“Words cannot adequately express the heartbreak we feel as a school and as a district,” Superintendent Lisa Olson said in a statement. “We are grieving with the Jessel family and holding them close in our hearts. Ellis was deeply loved, and we will do everything we can to support our students and staff during this unimaginably difficult time.”
Ongoing Investigation and Calls for Safety Awareness
Local authorities have not yet released full details of the boating accident, but the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the precise circumstances surrounding the incident. While foul play is not suspected, officials emphasized the importance of boating safety, particularly as the summer season begins and waterways become more active.
Safety experts are urging all lakegoers to ensure the use of life jackets, constant supervision of children, and awareness of boating regulations. The tragedy has sparked renewed conversations in New Berlin and neighboring communities about enhancing water safety education and lake patrol visibility.
Honoring Ellis’s Memory
To honor Ellis’s life, friends and family have announced a public candlelight vigil scheduled to take place later this week at Malone Park in New Berlin. The vigil will provide a space for reflection, prayer, and the sharing of memories about a child who made an outsized impact in such a short time.
A GoFundMe page has also been established to support the Jessel family with funeral costs and other related expenses. Within hours of going live, it garnered hundreds of donations and heartfelt messages from across Wisconsin and beyond, a testament to the breadth of love and support surrounding the family.
Many community members have suggested planting a memorial tree in Ellis’s honor at Orchard Lane Elementary, with a commemorative plaque and a butterfly garden — a symbol of transformation, beauty, and enduring spirit.
A Legacy of Love and Kindness
Though Ellis Jessel’s life was far too short, the legacy left behind is one of love, joy, and unwavering kindness. Whether it was offering a comforting word to a friend, sharing artwork with classmates, or simply brightening someone’s day with a cheerful wave in the hallway, Ellis made a difference — and that difference will never be forgotten.
As one parent wrote in a tribute left at the growing school memorial:
“He was small in size, but enormous in heart. We will never forget you, Ellis. You changed our world with your smile.”
The city of New Berlin stands united in its grief, but also in its remembrance — determined to celebrate Ellis’s life, to carry forward the lessons of compassion he so naturally lived by, and to wrap the Jessel family in the love and strength of an entire community.
For updates on memorial events and support services, the school district and local media outlets will continue to provide information in the days ahead.
