FREEPORT, IL — Two people were killed in a head-on collision near Orangeville on Saturday, August 9, at approximately 12:30 p.m.
According to the Stephenson County Sheriff's Office, Darcy Connolly-Brunner, 37, and Rolando Ico-Choc, 30, were involved in the crash on Illinois Rt. 26 near Oneco Rd. Ico-Choc was driving a Nissan Altima southbound when he crossed the center line and struck Connolly-Brunner's Ford Edge head-on. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene.
Autopsies for the victims are scheduled for Tuesday. Authorities are investigating to determine if Ico-Choc was impaired at the time of the incident, while Connolly-Brunner showed no signs of impairment, pending toxicology results.
Sheriff Steve Stovall confirmed Ico-Choc had a prior criminal record and lacked valid U.S. identification, with only a Guatemalan national ID recovered at the scene. The investigation remains ongoing, with support from the Illinois State Police.
Stovall stated, “I'm not directing this investigation in any way. I'm letting the facts speak.” Local lawmakers have called for reform of immigration and law enforcement policies in response to the accident.
Ico-Choc had a history of DUI charges dating back to March 2022, when he pled guilty to a misdemeanor DUI charge. His most recent felony DUI conviction occurred on July 28, 2023.
Lane closures were reported following the incident, and emergency response teams were at the scene for several hours. Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.