MCHENRY, Ill. (TNND) — A 48-year-old woman was killed in a boating crash on the Fox River around 2:30 p.m. Saturday.
Authorities identified the victim as Magdalena Jablonska, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, who died after a pontoon boat allegedly operated by 45-year-old Richard Stevenson collided with her vessel. Reports indicate Stevenson was driving at a high rate of speed when the 31-foot pontoon struck the rear of a 20-foot Crownline boat south of the McHenry Dam.
Witnesses reported that Stevenson had been consuming alcohol throughout the day, and investigators confirmed a blood alcohol concentration of approximately 0.200, more than twice the legal limit in Illinois. Stevenson has three prior DUI charges.
Stevenson has been charged with two counts of aggravated driving under the influence causing death and one count of reckless homicide. He was found at the crash scene after his boat ran aground and is being held without bond pending trial.
McHenry County State's Attorney Randi L. Freese emphasized the need for safety on local waterways, stating, “Our rivers and lakes should be places where families can safely enjoy time together.” Stevenson is scheduled to return to court on August 5.