MC HENRY, Ill. (TNND) — A 48-year-old woman, identified as U.S. Marine Corps veteran Magdalena Jablonska, was killed in a boating crash on the Fox River on Saturday.
Authorities reported that around 2:30 p.m., a pontoon boat operated by 45-year-old Richard Stevenson collided with Jablonska's 20-foot Crownline boat south of the McHenry Dam. The impact resulted in catastrophic injuries for Jablonska, who was declared deceased at the scene.
Stevenson has been charged with two counts of aggravated driving under the influence causing death and one count of reckless homicide. He was found near the crash site after his boat ran aground. Blood tests revealed his blood alcohol concentration was approximately 0.200, more than twice the legal limit.
Witnesses stated Stevenson had been drinking throughout the day and operating the boat at high speeds. He has a prior history that includes three DUI charges and multiple reckless driving offenses, prompting prosecutors to label him a danger to the community. Stevenson is currently held without bond and is scheduled to appear in court again on August 5.
McHenry County State's Attorney Randi L. Freese emphasized the tragedy, stating, “Our rivers and lakes should be places where families can safely enjoy time together, not places where the reckless and impaired can turn a summer day into a tragedy.”