A fatal boating collision on the Fox River in northern Illinois claimed the life of U.S. Marine Corps veteran Magdalena “Maggie” Jablonska and seriously injured her fiancé.
The July 25, 2026, tragedy is a devastating reminder that operating a boat while impaired can be every bit as deadly as drinking and driving a car.
Where Did the Fox River Boat Crash Happen?
The collision happened at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
It occurred on the Fox River near the 1800 block of South Fernwood Lane in unincorporated McHenry, Illinois. The location is south of the Stratton-Bolger Lock and Dam, commonly known as the McHenry Dam, approximately 55 miles northwest of downtown Chicago.
Remembering Magdalena Jablonska
Magdalena Jablonska, 48, of Des Plaines, was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who had immigrated to the Chicago area from Poland.
Jablonska was spending the afternoon on the river with her fiancé, Alan Telmini, and their dog, Sasha. The couple had been swimming earlier that day and were aboard a 20-foot Crownline runabout when the collision occurred.
Her family remembered her as a kind and selfless person who cared deeply about animals and regularly helped dog shelters.
What Reportedly Caused the Collision?
Authorities allege that Richard Stevenson, 45, of Lisle, was operating a 31-foot South Bay pontoon boat at nearly 80 miles per hour as it entered a no-wake zone.
The pontoon, which was reportedly powered by three 500-horsepower outboard motors, struck the back of the Crownline and traveled over the smaller boat.
Jablonska was decapitated and died at the scene. Telmini was seriously injured and continues to recover. Sasha, who had reportedly been sitting on Jablonska’s lap, was also injured.
The pontoon continued toward the shoreline and ran aground in a wooded area. Authorities reportedly found Stevenson near the shoreline after the collision. Other people who had been aboard the pontoon allegedly left the immediate area before officers arrived.
Alcohol and Drug Allegations
Prosecutors allege that Stevenson’s blood-alcohol concentration was approximately 0.200 following the crash. Illinois generally prohibits operating a watercraft with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher.
The subsequent indictment also alleges that alcohol, THC and cocaine were present in Stevenson’s system.
These accusations have not been proven at trial.
First-Degree Murder Indictment
Stevenson was initially charged with aggravated driving under the influence (DUI) and reckless homicide.
Following an investigation by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police, a McHenry County grand jury returned an indictment that included:
first-degree murder, reckless homicide, aggravated DUI and operating a watercraft under the influence charges.
Stevenson pleaded not guilty during his August 21 arraignment and remained detained in the McHenry County Jail pending trial. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Jablonska’s family has also filed a wrongful-death lawsuit concerning the collision.
Don’t Drink and Drive a Boat
Alcohol can impair judgment, balance, coordination, reaction time and vision. These effects become especially dangerous on the water, where waves, glare, engine noise, speed and constantly changing conditions already make operating a boat more demanding.
Boaters can help prevent another tragedy by following several basic safety rules:
- Designate a sober and experienced operator before leaving the dock.
- Never allow an impaired person to operate a boat.
- Obey posted speed restrictions and slow down in every no-wake zone.
- Make sure everyone aboard has access to a properly fitted life jacket.
- Keep a safe distance from other boats, swimmers and shoreline structures.
- Take an approved boating-safety course before operating an unfamiliar vessel.
The death of Magdalena Jablonska represents an unimaginable loss for her family, friends and community. Her story should serve as a warning to everyone heading onto the water:
Don’t drink and drive a boat. One reckless decision can destroy multiple lives.
Sources
McHenry County Sheriff’s Office: Fox River boat-accident release
ABC7 Chicago: Original Fox River boat-crash charges
ABC7 Chicago: Interview with Jablonska’s fiancé and wrongful-death lawsuit