McHenry, Illinois — A summer afternoon on the Fox River turned tragic after prosecutors say an allegedly intoxicated pontoon boat operator slammed into another vessel at high speed, killing a 48-year-old woman in a devastating crash that has now led to multiple felony charges.
Authorities allege the suspect was operating his boat while heavily impaired, with prosecutors describing the fatal collision as the result of reckless behavior that had been building for years.
Pontoon Boat Allegedly Struck Smaller Vessel at High Speed
According to the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office, the collision occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. on July 25 on the Fox River, south of the McHenry Dam.
Investigators allege 45-year-old Richard Stevenson, of Lisle, was operating a 31-foot Southbay pontoon at an extremely high rate of speed when it struck the rear of a 20-foot Crownline boat.
Authorities say the larger pontoon then rode over the smaller vessel, causing catastrophic damage.
Illinois Conservation Police officers who responded to the scene found the Crownline badly damaged and discovered a 48-year-old woman dead onboard after she sustained fatal injuries. Officials have not yet publicly identified the victim.
Prosecutors Say Alcohol Played a Major Role
Stevenson was arrested following the crash and has been charged with two counts of aggravated driving under the influence causing death and one count of reckless homicide.
According to prosecutors, blood test results indicated his blood alcohol concentration was approximately .200, more than twice the legal limit for operating a vehicle in most jurisdictions.
Witnesses also told investigators they observed Stevenson drinking throughout the day while operating the pontoon and driving at high speeds on both the Chain O’ Lakes and the Fox River before the fatal collision.
After the crash, authorities said the pontoon ran aground nearby. Stevenson was later found among trees near the shoreline, while two other people who had been aboard the pontoon reportedly left the scene before officers arrived.
Stevenson was transported to Northwestern Hospital in McHenry following the incident.
Prosecutors Point to History of Dangerous Driving
During the detention hearing, prosecutors highlighted Stevenson’s previous criminal and traffic history.
According to the State’s Attorney’s Office, he had previously faced three DUI charges, three reckless driving charges, and four misdemeanor speeding offenses.
Deputy Chief Brian Miller argued that Stevenson posed a continuing danger to the public.
“This man was a ticking time-bomb and that bomb went off this past Saturday on the Fox River.”
Judge Cynthia D. Lamb agreed to keep Stevenson in custody, granting prosecutors’ request to deny pretrial release while the case proceeds.
Officials Call for Accountability After Tragic Loss
Following the fatal crash, McHenry County State’s Attorney Randi L. Freese expressed sympathy for the victim’s loved ones and emphasized the importance of protecting public waterways.
She said rivers and lakes should remain safe places where families can spend time together rather than locations where reckless and impaired boating leads to tragedy.
Freese added that while nothing can undo the family’s loss, her office is committed to pursuing justice for the victim, her loved ones, and the community.
Stevenson is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 5, where the criminal proceedings will continue as investigators finalize the case.
What are your thoughts on penalties for boating under the influence? Should DUI laws on waterways be strengthened to prevent tragedies like this? Share your opinion in the comments below.
