Tragic Boating Incident Claims Woman’s Life

A woman lost her life in a horrific boating accident on an Illinois river, allegedly caused by an impaired boater. According to authorities, Richard Stevenson, 45, was reportedly speeding at around 130 mph when his vessel collided with another boat, resulting in the decapitation of a female passenger in that vessel.

Stevenson is facing multiple charges, including aggravated DUI and reckless homicide, following the incident on the Fox River near McHenry. Various court records indicate that this tragic event occurred Saturday afternoon.

Witnesses claimed that Stevenson’s boat was traveling at excessive speed, described as roughly 80 mph, in a no-wake zone. Despite warnings from passengers, he persisted with this reckless behavior, eventually leading to a catastrophic collision. Court documents noted that while Stevenson’s boat was atop the victim’s, it caused the decapitation of one of its occupants.

Eyewitness accounts relayed to police stated that his boat entered the area under a no-sail condition and at full speed, resulting in the tragic death of the female passenger.

Following the crash, Stevenson remained at the scene and was promptly taken to a hospital. A blood test revealed his blood alcohol content was 0.2, significantly over the legal limit of 0.08 in Illinois. Post-accident, Stevenson admitted to witnesses that he had been drinking prior to piloting the boat.

Stevenson has a known history of drunk driving, with charges dating back to 2023 that included speeding and reckless driving offenses. He is currently being held without bail, as a judge determined he poses a “real and present threat” to the community.

Stevenson is scheduled for a court appearance on August 5.