McHENRY, Ill. (TNND) — A woman was killed in a boating crash on 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, operated by 45-year-old Richard Stevenson, collided with a 20-foot Crownline boat south of the McHenry Dam. Initial reports indicated that Jablonska sustained catastrophic injuries in the crash.
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, where prosecutors revealed that his blood alcohol concentration was approximately 0.200, more than twice Illinois' legal limit.
Witnesses reported that Stevenson had been consuming alcohol throughout the day while operating the pontoon boat at high speeds. He was later found near the crash site after his vessel ran aground.
McHenry County State's Attorney Randi L. Freese expressed condolences, stating that “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.” Freese added that her office is committed to pursuing justice for Jablonska's family.
Stevenson, who has three prior DUI charges, is held in custody pending trial, with a court date set for August 5.