Ellis Jessel — Bright, Joyful Fourth-Grade Student from Orchard Lane Elementary — Mourned by New Berlin Community After Life Lost in Heartbreaking Boating Tragedy on Little Muskego Lake
NEW BERLIN, WISCONSIN — The entire community of New Berlin is reeling with sorrow following the heartbreaking loss of Ellis Jessel, a radiant and much-loved fourth-grade student at Orchard Lane Elementary School, who lost their life in a tragic boating incident over the weekend on the waters of Little Muskego Lake. The sudden and devastating nature of the event has sent waves of grief throughout the school district and the broader city, leaving families, classmates, educators, and neighbors struggling to process an unthinkable tragedy.
According to early information provided by the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office and confirmed by local emergency responders, the incident occurred during what was expected to be a joyful family outing on the scenic lake, a popular recreational destination for area residents. At some point during the excursion, a sequence of unforeseen and tragic circumstances unfolded that led to Ellis entering the water and not resurfacing.
Emergency dispatchers received a 911 call just before 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, prompting a rapid response from Muskego Police, the Muskego Fire Department, and dive rescue teams specializing in water recovery. Authorities reported that the conditions on the lake at the time included moderate waves and mild wind — not unusually hazardous, but capable of complicating efforts to locate and assist a person in distress in the water.
Multiple rescue boats, underwater sonar equipment, and dive teams were deployed within minutes of the call. As concerned onlookers gathered along the lake’s edge, a large-scale search effort began. The operation continued for several hours, growing in intensity and urgency with each passing moment. Despite exhaustive efforts by trained divers and water rescue personnel, Ellis was located too late to respond to life-saving intervention.
In a solemn update delivered later that evening, officials confirmed the worst: the young student, full of promise, joy, and energy, had been recovered from the lake and had not survived the incident. While the exact chain of events remains under investigation, officials have stated that there is no indication of foul play. Preliminary reports suggest that Ellis may have fallen from a small recreational watercraft or was briefly swimming near the boat before going under unexpectedly.
As the news spread throughout New Berlin, an outpouring of grief emerged across the city. The Jessel family, well-known within the school and local community for their warmth and active involvement, has been met with an overwhelming wave of support from friends, neighbors, and even strangers, many of whom have left flowers, cards, and stuffed animals outside Orchard Lane Elementary School in tribute.
A memorial of candles, drawings, and handwritten letters now adorns the front entrance of the school, with students and parents stopping by throughout the day to pay their respects. Messages from classmates describe Ellis as “kind,” “funny,” “brave,” and “a really good friend,” while teachers remembered a child full of curiosity, laughter, and a passion for reading and nature.
Principal Sarah McAllister of Orchard Lane Elementary issued a heartfelt message to all school families late Saturday evening, describing Ellis as “a light in our classrooms — joyful, thoughtful, and always eager to help others.” She continued: “This is a devastating loss for our school, and we are working closely with counselors and crisis response teams to support students and staff during this difficult time.”
In the wake of the tragedy, the New Berlin School District has mobilized grief counselors, therapy dogs, and on-site support staff to help children, teachers, and parents begin the long process of emotional recovery. Special classroom sessions have been arranged for students to talk, draw, and express their feelings, while teachers have been encouraged to allow flexible time for remembrance and healing.
Family friends have shared that Ellis had recently celebrated their 10th birthday, was looking forward to summer camp, and had a deep love for animals — especially frogs, turtles, and all creatures found in Wisconsin’s many lakes and woodlands. A favorite activity was exploring nature trails, catching glimpses of dragonflies, and collecting smooth stones by the water’s edge.
“Ellis had a spirit that made people feel welcome and seen,” said a neighbor who has known the Jessel family for several years. “They loved the outdoors and could spend hours just asking questions about the stars, the trees, the frogs in the backyard. That kind of wonder — that beautiful spark — is so rare and precious. And now, it’s gone far too soon.”
The Jessel family has asked for privacy as they grieve, but through a brief public statement released via their family pastor, they expressed gratitude for the support they have received and described their beloved child as “the heart of our home — full of joy, full of love, and always eager to explore and understand the world.”
In response to this tragedy, the Muskego Fire Department is also emphasizing the importance of boating and water safety, particularly for children, and has begun coordinating with local officials and school districts to enhance awareness programs around life jackets, supervision, and emergency response planning. While there is no indication that negligence played a role in this incident, authorities are reminding the public of the unpredictable nature of open water and the critical importance of safety precautions.
The Muskego Parks and Recreation Department has lowered flags to half-staff at lakeside parks and designated a portion of Little Muskego Lake’s shoreline for community reflection and remembrance. Residents are encouraged to bring notes, mementos, and artwork to honor Ellis, whose name will now be forever associated with both heartbreaking loss and the incredible light they brought into the world.
In the coming days, a candlelight vigil will be held at Lions Park in New Berlin, where friends, classmates, educators, and community members will gather to remember Ellis through stories, music, and quiet reflection. Organizers plan to release biodegradable lanterns over the lake at sunset — a symbolic tribute to a young life that, though brief, left a lasting impression on everyone who knew them.
Community leaders, faith organizations, and local nonprofits have come together to support the Jessel family during this time, launching a coordinated response that includes meal trains, counseling referrals, and a community fund to assist with memorial expenses. A GoFundMe campaign created by a family friend surpassed its fundraising goal within hours and has since continued to draw donations and messages of condolence from across the state and beyond.
As summer begins and the city looks toward months traditionally filled with joy, recreation, and time spent in nature, the absence of one small, vibrant life casts a long and tender shadow. For New Berlin, the memory of Ellis Jessel will remain forever intertwined with the beauty of the lakeside wind, the laughter of children at play, and the flicker of fireflies dancing in twilight.
Teachers, friends, and family will hold on to Ellis’s infectious smile, the way they always asked thoughtful questions in science class, and their joy at seeing the first spring flowers bloom outside the classroom windows. “There was so much they were excited about,” said one teacher through tears. “So much life ahead.”
In a city now united by grief, there is also unity in honoring the life Ellis lived — not defined by the way it ended, but by the kindness, energy, and inspiration that radiated from a young soul who brought joy to everyone they encountered. The community of New Berlin, while mourning, will carry that light forward.
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