Fatal Boat Collision
Impaired Driver Charged After Fox River Pontoon Crash Kills Des Plaines Woman
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Key Points
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The Pontoon vs Crownline details: investigators describe the collision as involving a 31-foot Southbay pontoon driven by Richard Stevenson, which reportedly struck a 20-foot Crownline while in a no-wake zone near 1819 South Fernwood Lane, with Stevenson traveling at roughly 80 mph.
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Security camera and timing evidence show the pontoon’s movements before the crash, including footage of the vessel traveling south on the river and then heading north about 1 hour 45 minutes later; another clip shows it passing by at 12:40 p.m., nearly two hours before the collision.
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Judicial action: a McHenry County judge ordered Richard Stevenson to remain in custody as his case proceeds, with prosecutors noting a blood-alcohol concentration around 0.20 and highlighting his lengthy prior criminal history, including multiple DUIs and reckless driving convictions.
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Charges expanded: authorities have charged Stevenson with two counts of aggravated driving under the influence (causing death) in addition to a count of reckless homicide, reflecting the severity of the crash and outcomes for the victims.
A Des Plaines woman is dead after a pontoon boat traveling roughly 80 mph slammed into her vessel on the Fox River in McHenry County on July 25. NBC Chicago identified the victim as Magdalena Jablonska, 48 — a retired U.S. Marine and mother — who died from blunt force injuries after the crash near 1819 South Fernwood Lane.
The alleged driver, Richard Stevenson, 45, of Lisle, was taken into custody and faces reckless homicide and multiple counts of aggravated driving under the influence. Daily Herald reported that Jablonska's husband was also aboard the stricken boat and was placed on life support with serious injuries.
80 mph Pontoon Strikes Crownline in No-Wake Zone
Investigators say Stevenson was piloting a 31-foot Southbay pontoon at about 80 mph when it hit a 20-foot Crownline from behind. The collision happened inside a posted no-wake zone — an area where boats must travel at very low speeds. According to ABC 7 Chicago, the force of the impact drove the Crownline over, killing Jablonska.
WIFR reported the crash occurred near the McHenry Dam and involved a severe impact between the two vessels. The McHenry County Coroner's Office confirmed Jablonska's cause of death as blunt force injuries. The official ruling is still pending final review.
Security Cameras Tracked Pontoon Hours Before the Crash
Prosecutors used security footage to piece together Stevenson's movements that day. One clip shows the pontoon heading south on the Fox River. Another shows it traveling north roughly one hour and 45 minutes later. A third clip captured the vessel passing by at 12:40 p.m. — nearly two hours before the deadly crash.
Witnesses along the river also provided accounts of the pontoon's speed and behavior before impact. Journal Topics reported that investigators are still seeking additional information from anyone who observed the vessel that afternoon. Those details are helping prosecutors build their timeline of the incident.
Stevenson's BAC Was 0.20 — More Than Double the Legal Limit
Stevenson's blood-alcohol concentration was measured at around 0.20 at the time of the crash. That is more than double Illinois's legal limit of 0.08 for boating. NBC Chicago noted that prosecutors highlighted his lengthy prior criminal history, which includes multiple DUI and reckless driving convictions.
A McHenry County judge ordered Stevenson to remain in custody as his case moves forward. He faces one count of reckless homicide and two counts of aggravated DUI causing death. The charges reflect the outcomes for both victims aboard the Crownline — one killed and one left on life support.
Victim Was a Retired Marine and Mother of Two
Journal Topics described Magdalena Jablonska as a retired U.S. Marine who lived in Des Plaines with her family. She was a passenger on the Crownline when the pontoon struck from behind. Friends and family remembered her as a dedicated mother and community member.
The investigation remains active. Authorities are asking anyone who was on or near the Fox River on July 25 and saw the pontoon to come forward. Daily Herald reported that the case continues to develop as legal proceedings against Stevenson move through the McHenry County court system.
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