McHENRY, Ill. (TNND) — A woman was decapitated in a boating crash on the Fox River Saturday afternoon, prompting charges against the boat's operator.
Magdalena Jablonska, 48, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, died when a 31-foot pontoon boat, allegedly operated by Richard Stevenson, 45, crashed into her 20-foot Crownline boat around 2:30 p.m. Authorities reported that the pontoon rode over the smaller vessel, causing “catastrophic injuries” to Jablonska.
Stevenson appeared in court Monday, facing two counts of aggravated driving under the influence causing death and one count of reckless homicide. He was reportedly operating the boat at a high speed and was found near the crash scene after his vessel ran aground. Blood tests revealed his blood alcohol concentration was approximately 0.200, more than twice Illinois' legal limit.
Witnesses told investigators Stevenson had been consuming alcohol throughout the day and had a history of prior DUI and reckless driving offenses. Prosecutors argued he posed a danger to the community, leading to his detention pending trial with a next court appearance scheduled for August 5.
McHenry County State's Attorney Randi L. Freese expressed condolences to Jablonska's family, emphasizing the tragic nature of the incident and the need for safer waterways.