McHENRY, Ill. (TNND) — A woman was killed in a boating crash on the Fox River on Saturday afternoon.
Authorities identified the victim as 48-year-old Magdalena Jablonska, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. She died after a pontoon boat operated by 45-year-old Richard Stevenson collided with her vessel around 2:30 p.m. south of the McHenry Dam.
Witnesses reported that Stevenson was driving the 31-foot pontoon boat at high speed when it struck the rear of a 20-foot Crownline boat. Jablonska sustained catastrophic injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Stevenson was charged with two counts of aggravated driving under the influence causing death and one count of reckless homicide. He appeared in court on Monday and was ordered to remain jailed pending trial, with a court date set for August 5.
Authorities said blood tests revealed Stevenson had a blood alcohol concentration of approximately 0.200, more than twice Illinois' legal limit. Multiple witnesses reported he had been drinking throughout the day while operating the boat recklessly.
Deputy Chief Brian Miller described Stevenson as “a ticking time-bomb” at the detention hearing. He has three prior DUI charges and several reckless driving offenses.
Officials emphasized the importance of safety on waterways, expressing condolences to the victim's family and pledging to pursue justice.
The investigation is ongoing.