MCHENRY, IL. (THECOUNT) — Magdalena Jablonska, 48, was killed Saturday when a pontoon boat allegedly operated by Richard Stevenson, 45, crashed into the boat she was riding on the Fox River near McHenry, according to the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office.
According to prosecutors, Jablonska was a passenger aboard a 20-foot Crownline boat when it was struck from behind by a 31-foot pontoon boat allegedly operated by Stevenson at approximately 2:30 p.m. Saturday, just south of the McHenry Dam.
Authorities allege Stevenson was operating the boat at a high rate of speed when it crashed into the smaller vessel before riding over it. Jablonska suffered catastrophic injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Family members described Jablonska as someone who devoted her life to helping others. In a GoFundMe post, loved ones wrote, “Magdalena was always the sunshine wherever she went. As a U.S. Marine, it was natural that Magdalena was always helping someone in need.”
The McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office announced that Stevenson has been charged with two counts of aggravated driving under the influence causing death and one count of reckless homicide.
According to court records, Stevenson was located near the crash scene after his pontoon boat ran aground. Blood tests reportedly showed his blood alcohol concentration was approximately 0.200, more than twice Illinois’ legal limit for operating a motor vehicle.
Investigators allege multiple witnesses observed Stevenson consuming alcohol throughout the day while operating the vessel and driving recklessly on both the Chain O’Lakes and the Fox River before the collision.
Prosecutors further alleged Stevenson has a prior history of traffic-related offenses, including three DUI charges, three reckless driving charges and four misdemeanor speeding violations.
Deputy Chief Brian Miller told the court during Stevenson’s detention hearing that “This man was a ticking time-bomb and that bomb went off this past Saturday on the Fox River.”
McHenry County State’s Attorney Randi L. Freese expressed condolences to Jablonska’s family and stated that prosecutors intend to pursue justice in the case.
Stevenson was ordered held in custody pending trial after prosecutors argued he poses a danger to the community. He is scheduled to return to court on August 5.
McHenry is located in northeastern Illinois, approximately 55 miles northwest of Chicago, near the Wisconsin border and the popular Chain O’Lakes recreational boating area.
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