**Drunken Boating Incident Claiming Life on Fox River**
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An Illinois man has been arrested following a fatal boating incident on the Fox River that left one woman dead. Richard Stevenson, aged 45, from Lisle, is accused of operating a pontoon while under the influence of alcohol, resulting in a collision with a smaller boat on 25 July.
The tragic accident occurred around 2:30 PM, south of the McHenry Dam. According to prosecutors, Stevenson was allegedly driving a 31-foot Southbay pontoon at an exceptionally high speed when it struck the rear of a 20-foot Crownline boat. The force of the impact was so severe that the pontoon rode over the smaller vessel, leading to catastrophic injuries for the occupants.
Authorities reported that the collision resulted in the gruesome death of a 48-year-old woman, whose identity has not yet been disclosed. Tragically, she was decapitated during the accident. First responders found her aboard the damaged Crownline, which had sustained significant destruction from the crash.
After the incident, the pontoon ran aground nearby. Stevenson was located off the shoreline, entangled in trees, as he attempted to flee the scene. Two other passengers aboard the pontoon reportedly left before law enforcement arrived, complicating the immediate investigation.
The McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office has indicated that Stevenson was subsequently taken to Northwestern Hospital in McHenry for treatment. Blood tests conducted after the crash revealed his blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at approximately 0.200, a level significantly above the legal limit. This evidence was presented during Stevenson’s detention hearing.
Witnesses have informed investigators that Stevenson had been consuming alcohol throughout the day and was speeding on the Chain O’ Lakes and Fox River prior to the collision. His extensive history of traffic-related offences includes multiple past charges for driving under the influence and reckless driving, raising concerns about his potential danger to public safety.
Deputy Chief Brian Miller highlighted the risks posed by Stevenson, stating, “This man was a ticking time-bomb and that bomb went off this past Saturday on the Fox River.” His remarks underscore the seriousness of the situation as authorities seek to hold him accountable. Consequently, the presiding judge, Cynthia D. Lamb, rejected the state’s plea for Stevenson to be granted pretrial release, affirming the gravity of the allegations against him.
Following the incident, McHenry County State’s Attorney Randi L. Freese extended condolences to the victim’s family, expressing sorrow over the loss. “Our rivers and lakes should be places where families can safely enjoy time together, not places where the reckless and impaired can turn a summer day into a tragedy,” she remarked. Freese reiterated the commitment to pursuing justice for the victim and her family, which has been deeply affected by this devastating event.
Stevenson is currently in custody and is slated to appear in court on 5 August as legal proceedings continue. The tragedy has sparked renewed discussions around boating safety and regulations concerning alcohol use while operating watercraft, as the community grapples with the aftermath of this heinous act.
The Fox River incident marks a sobering reminder of the dangers associated with frivolous actions taken under the influence, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of boating laws to prevent such tragedies in the future.