Overview
- The crash occurred on July 25 when a 31-foot pontoon allegedly struck the rear of a 20-foot Crownline south of the McHenry Dam and rode over the smaller boat, killing a 48-year-old passenger later identified as Magdalena Jablonska.
- Richard Stevenson, 45, of Lisle, was arrested and is charged with two counts of aggravated driving under the influence causing death and one count of reckless homicide and is being held without bond.
- Prosecutors presented a hospital blood test showing Stevenson’s blood alcohol concentration at roughly 0.200, which is more than twice Illinois’ 0.08 legal limit, and cited witness statements about prolonged drinking and high-speed operation on local waterways.
- At a detention hearing prosecutors relied on Stevenson's prior driving-related record—three prior DUI charges, three reckless-driving charges and four misdemeanor speeding offenses—to argue he poses a danger to the community.
- Investigators continue to gather video, witness tips, toxicology and coroner follow-up as the case moves toward pretrial proceedings and the incident has spurred local concern about safety enforcement on the Fox River and Chain O’ Lakes.