Ellis Jessel Accident – Obituary | New Berlin, Wisconsin: Community Grieves the Tragic Loss of Orchard Lane Elementary 4th-Grader Following Boat Crash on Little Muskego Lake
New Berlin, WI — The tight-knit community of New Berlin is in mourning following the heartbreaking death of Ellis Jessel, a bright and beloved 4th-grade student at Orchard Lane Elementary School, who tragically lost their life in a boating accident on Little Muskego Lake. The fatal incident occurred over the weekend, sending shockwaves through the school district and leaving family, friends, and community members grappling with a profound sense of grief and loss.
According to preliminary reports from local authorities, Ellis was involved in a boating crash that took place during a family outing on the lake. While the exact circumstances of the accident remain under investigation, officials have confirmed that the injuries sustained were critical and ultimately fatal. Despite the best efforts of emergency responders and medical personnel, Ellis sadly passed away shortly after the incident.
The Jessel family, known in New Berlin for their active involvement in the community and school activities, is now facing the unimaginable pain of losing their cherished child. Ellis was described by teachers, classmates, and loved ones as kind-hearted, full of curiosity, and wise beyond their years. With a warm smile and an infectious laugh, Ellis had a gentle way of bringing people together — a true light in the classroom and beyond.
Orchard Lane Elementary School administrators issued a heartfelt statement expressing condolences to the Jessel family and offering support to students and staff impacted by the tragedy.
“We are heartbroken over the loss of Ellis Jessel, one of our beloved 4th-grade students. Ellis was a joy to teach and know — creative, kind, and always eager to help others. Our hearts go out to the Jessel family, and we are wrapping them in love and strength during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement read.
Crisis counselors have been made available at the school to help students and faculty process the tragic loss. Teachers have opened their classrooms as safe spaces for discussion, grief expression, and emotional support. In addition, several parents and school staff have come together to organize meal trains, childcare, and other resources to support the grieving family.
Ellis was remembered for their love of art, science experiments, outdoor adventures, and storytelling. Friends fondly recall Ellis’s imagination and the way they could turn an ordinary afternoon into an unforgettable memory. A classmate shared, “Ellis always made me laugh and helped me when I felt sad. I’ll never forget how nice they were to everyone.”
In the days following the accident, tributes have poured in from all corners of the community. Families have left flowers, drawings, and heartfelt notes outside Orchard Lane Elementary and along the Jessel family’s front yard. A growing memorial has also taken shape near the shoreline of Little Muskego Lake, where friends and neighbors have gathered to reflect, pray, and remember the life of a child taken far too soon.
A public vigil in Ellis’s honor will be held later this week at the school’s playground — one of Ellis’s favorite places — where classmates, teachers, and loved ones will gather to share memories, release balloons, and light candles in a collective act of remembrance.
Funeral and memorial service arrangements are currently being coordinated by the Jessel family, who have expressed gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of love and support. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made in Ellis’s memory to a local children’s charity or to a planned school garden and memorial space that will be created at Orchard Lane Elementary in Ellis’s honor.
The tragic loss of Ellis Jessel has left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew them. Though their time was heartbreakingly short, the impact they had on classmates, teachers, friends, and family will resonate forever. Ellis will be remembered not only for the joy they brought into the world but for the kindness and compassion that defined their young life.
Rest in peace, Ellis. You were deeply loved, and your memory will live on in every flower planted, every story shared, and every life you touched.