Man Charged in Fatal Boating Incident
A 45-year-old man faces charges for the death of a 49-year-old female Marine veteran, who was killed by a high-performance pontoon boat. Court records reveal that the driver, Richard Stevenson, has an extensive history of running afoul of the law, including charges for speeding, driving under the influence, and reckless behavior.
Witnesses and prosecutors reported that Stevenson was seen crying on the shore, lamenting that his “life is over” after he was injured in the incident. He was pursuing a pontoon traveling at 130 mph through a no-wake zone when it became airborne and collided with a smaller boat, resulting in the tragic death of Magdalena Jablonska as she cruised along the Fox River with her fiancé.
Jablonska was tragically decapitated upon impact. While her fiancé was hospitalized, he has reportedly not yet improved.
Footage from home security cameras captured the scene as Stevenson’s pontoon sped with its nose in the air, obstructing his view. Stevenson sustained no serious injuries but was tested for alcohol. He registered a blood alcohol level of 2.36 or higher—nearly three times the legal limit. Witnesses stated he had been consuming Fireball Whiskey prior to the crash.
During a recent court appearance, prosecutors detailed Stevenson’s troubling driving history, which includes three prior DUI charges, numerous reckless driving incidents, and multiple speeding violations. Deputy Police Chief Brian Miller emphasized the danger Stevenson posed, labeling him as a “ticking time bomb” and noting the severity of the situation.
Accounts from several witnesses indicated that Stevenson was warned multiple times to slow down and continued to drive recklessly. He reportedly bought alcohol, drank two shots before heading onto the river, and may have consumed more while operating the boat. Some witnesses expressed serious concerns for their safety as they observed him stumbling while steering the vessel.
In a poignant turn, Jablonska’s sister has set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise contributions for a dog shelter in her sister’s memory, highlighting her sister’s passion for animals. Described as a “ray of sunshine,” Jablonska’s legacy as a U.S. Marine is remembered for her dedication to helping others.
Stevenson, previously holding a prominent position at Area Crane Company, has since been terminated from his role. His attorneys requested home surveillance and alcohol testing during the pre-trial phase, but the judge denied the request due to concerns over his driving record and alcohol use at the time of the incident. His next court appearance is set for August 5th.
