McHENRY, Ill. (TNND) — A woman was killed in a boating crash on the Fox River on Saturday afternoon, identified as 48-year-old Magdalena Jablonska, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.
According to authorities, the incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. when a 31-foot pontoon boat, allegedly operated by 45-year-old Richard Stevenson, collided with a 20-foot Crownline boat south of the McHenry Dam. Jablonska sustained catastrophic injuries and was pronounced dead 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 appeared in court on Monday, where prosecutors noted he was traveling at a high rate of speed before the crash.
Witnesses informed investigators that Stevenson had been consuming alcohol throughout the day and operating his vessel recklessly. A blood test revealed his blood alcohol concentration was approximately 0.200, more than double Illinois' legal limit.
Stevenson was found near the crash site after his boat ran aground. He has three prior DUI charges and multiple traffic offenses. Deputy Chief Brian Miller characterized Stevenson as a danger to the community during the detention hearing.
Stevenson remains in custody and is scheduled to return to court on August 5.