Officials in Illinois announced on Tuesday that the mother of former WNBA player Sophie Bruner was a victim in a tragic head-on collision involving undocumented immigrants. Darcy Connolly Bruner, aged 61, and 30-year-old Roland Aiko Chock lost their lives when Chock’s vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic on Route 26 in Stephenson County, striking Connolly Bruner’s Ford Edge on August 9.
Both individuals were killed in the accident.
Stovall noted that Chock was a Guatemalan national with a history of residing in Freeport and is believed to have been involved in the crash. “One of my close acquaintances was Darcy Connolly Bruner,” he stated. “She was more than just a community member; she was a caring friend, deeply devoted to her family and loved ones.”
He also revealed that Chock had prior criminal charges, including a DUI and driving with a suspended license in 2023. Authorities clarified there were no signs that Connolly Bruner was impaired at the time of the incident.
Illinois State Senator Andrew Chesney, representing Freeport, mentioned that officials from Homeland Security confirmed Chock’s illegal status in the country. He urged for the repeal of the Trust Act and the Safe-T Act.
Chesney expressed his distress, stating, “The woman who was dedicated to her family and community lost her life in broad daylight, struck by someone who should not have been driving in the first place. His criminal history includes multiple DUI charges.” He further highlighted that Chock had crossed the border during the Biden administration and remained in the country due to state laws that he believes enable such situations, ultimately leading to this tragic event.
Sophie Brunner, recognized as a local basketball talent from Freeport, played college basketball at Arizona State before joining the WNBA in 2017, representing the Phoenix Mercury and the San Antonio Silver Stars.
