Stevenson crane worker charged after Fox River crash death
Magdalena Jablonska, a 48-year-old Des Plaines Marine veteran, was identified as the woman killed Saturday when a Fox River pontoon allegedly hit her boat near South Fernwood Lane in McHenry. Richard Stevenson, who worked for the family-owned Stevenson Crane Company, faces reckless homicide and aggravated DUI charges and is held without release.
Key Takeaways
- Magdalena Jablonska, 48, of Des Plaines died after the Fox River crash near South Fernwood Lane in McHenry.
- Richard Stevenson, 45, faces reckless homicide and aggravated DUI and is detained without release.
- Prosecutors allege he drove a 30-foot pontoon at about 80 mph in a no-wake zone with a BAC of 0.20.
- Stevenson Crane Company said it terminated his equipment-sales job and that he held no leadership role.
- His next court appearance is set for Aug. 5.
Who was killed in the Fox River boat crash?
The McHenry County Coroner's Office identified Magdalena Jablonska, 48, of Des Plaines as the victim. She suffered life-threatening blunt-force injuries to her body and head, and an autopsy was performed Tuesday, ABC7 Chicago reported.
NBC Chicago reported that Jablonska was a U.S. Marine veteran who immigrated to Chicago from Poland. Her sister, Michelle Macias, called her selfless and kind, saying she joined the Marines straight out of high school. Jablonska was on the river with family Saturday when the crash occurred.
Prosecutors said a woman in the passenger seat of a green Crownline boat was driven over and decapitated when Stevenson's pontoon struck from behind. A male passenger was taken to a hospital; NBC Chicago reported her fiancé and dog were also injured.
What do prosecutors say happened on the river?
Prosecutors alleged Stevenson was operating a 30-foot pontoon under the influence at about 80 miles per hour before striking another boat near the 1800-block of South Fernwood Lane. They said the pontoon entered a no-wake zone and hit the Crownline's rear.
Security footage from a riverside home allegedly showed the pontoon traveling south, then north about an hour and 45 minutes later, with a collision heard about a minute after that. A hospital blood draw allegedly showed a BAC of 0.20, about 2.5 times Illinois' 0.08 limit.
Two other people were aboard Stevenson's boat. Prosecutors said both later told police he had taken multiple shots of Fireball whiskey, and one said he was traveling 80 mph before impact. A judge ordered him held, finding pretrial release posed a threat to community safety.
How is Stevenson Crane tied to the accused boater?
NBC Chicago reported Stevenson worked for Bolingbrook-based Stevenson Crane Company, owned by his family. In a statement, the company offered condolences and said his employment in the equipment sales department was terminated, adding he held no leadership role.
Prosecutors cited traffic-related history, including prior DUI arrests and convictions, reckless driving, speeding, and fleeing offenses. Stevenson is due back in court on Aug. 5. For more BlasterPost coverage across emerging topics, visit our Future Tech & AI Wonders hub.