Magdalena Jablonska Killed in Fox River Boat Accident Near McHenry

Wrongful Death - July 30, 2026

Magdalena Jablonska, 48, of Des Plaines, Died in McHenry County Boat Accident Involving Allegedly Intoxicated Business Executive

MCHENRY COUNTY, ILLINOISĀ (July 29, 2026) – A 48-year-old U.S. Marine veteran identified as Magdalena Jablonska has tragically died in a Fox River boat accident in McHenry County.

McHenry County officials are saying that the incident took place around 2:30 PM on Saturday. A boat was speeding down Fox River when it was involved in a collision with another vessel.

McHenry Township Fire Protection District crews received numerous reports about the boat accident. Several people were injured in the crash.

One of the victims was later identified as Magdalena Jablonska. A criminal complaint has been filed against Richard M. Stevensonā€“a 45-year-old business executive who lives in Lisle. The defendant was allegedly under the influence of alcohol prior to the collision.

A witness reported to investigators that the boat involved in the crash was traveling ā€œfull throttleā€ as it was entering a no-wake zone and collided with another boat.

Tragically, Magdalena Jablonska was pronounced dead at the scene. At least one other person was injured in the crash.

A full investigation remains ongoing at this time. You can help support the family of the victim through GoFundMe.

According to the online fundraiser, ā€œHi everyone, my name is Marcin Jablonski. On 25 July 2026, I lost my dear sister, Magdalena Jabłońska (49), to a boating accident where another speeding boat hit my sister, killing her and injuring her fiance on the Fox River.Ā Magdalena was always the sunshine wherever she went. As a U.S. Marine, it was natural that Magdalena was always helping someone in need.ā€

Liability for McHenry County Boat AccidentsĀ 

Boat operators owe a duty of care to all of the other people that they share the water with. They must abide by all boating regulations and abstain from alcohol and other intoxicating substances. According to 625 ILCS 45/5-16, ā€œA person shall not operate or be in actual physical control of any watercraft within this State while: The alcohol concentration in such person’s blood, other bodily substance, or breath is a concentration at which driving a motor vehicle is prohibited under subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of Section 11-501 of the Illinois Vehicle Code.ā€ There are a number of ways that alcohol can impair a personā€™s ability to operate a boat safely.

  • Intoxicated boaters will have slowed reaction times to swimmers and other potential hazards.
  • Intoxicated boaters are less able to coordinate all of the various mechanisms used to control their boat.
  • Intoxicated boaters may experience blurred vision and have a weakened depth perception.
  • Intoxicated boaters have a reduced capacity to pay attention and concentrate on the waters ahead of them.
  • Intoxicated boaters are more likely to experience drowsiness and fatigue, which may be intensified by environmental factors.

If a boater fails to slow down to avoid hitting another vessel in the water, this could serve as evidence of negligence. There is a presumption of negligence on the part of any person that violates a safety law before causing an accident that results in serious bodily harm or death. Ā Boaters that cause accidents while under the influence of alcohol or drugs may also face criminal liability for their actions. Depending on the unique facts of any case, there could be several liable parties for any boat accident.

Third-Party Liability for Illinois Boat Accidents

Boating remains a very common recreational activity. Unfortunately, accidents involving intoxicated boaters remain far too common. According to Boat U.S. Foundation, ā€œAbout half of all boating accidents involve drugs or alcohol. The U.S. Coast Guard estimates the number of non-fatal boating accidents to be 60,000 or higher with property damage well over $240 million annually.ā€ It is important that any potential third-party sources of liability for boat collisions are explored.

  • Boat Owners: The owner of a boat could be liable for a collision if this person is separate from whatever person caused the collision.
  • Boat Rental Services: A boat rental service could be legally responsible for an accident under the theory of negligent entrustment. Negligent entrustment occurs when a person rents or leases a boat to someone who is unfit, due to visible intoxication or some other reason.
  • Business Entity: A business could potentially be liable for a boat accident if it was being used for some type of commercial purpose.
  • Boat Manufacturer: Though rare, a boat manufacturer could be liable for an accident if there was some type of defect with a boat that causes an operator to lose control.

Boat accidents tend to be highly preventable. They tend to be the consequence of drivers that are either inexperienced or committing safety violations. Sadly, it is nearly always innocent people who pay for the consequences of these mistakes with their health and lives. Victims of boat accidents are protected by a number of different laws. They are able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil action. This right extends to the surviving family members of any person who dies in a boat crash. They can pursue a wrongful death claim against negligent boat operators.

Investigating McHenry County Boat Accidents

We atĀ Horwitz Horwitz & AssociatesĀ offer our deepest sympathies to the family of Magdalena Jablonska. This was a preventable tragedy that should have never taken place. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. There needs to be full accountability on all parties that contributed to what happened.

Do you need more information about a McHenry County boat accident? Our team of boat safety advocates is here for you. We understand how difficult it can be to get answers from the police or Coast Guard after a major accident. You can rest assured that we will do everything in our power to provide you with the information and support that you need. Whether you have legal questions or need a free and thorough investigation into any particular incident, we are here for you. You can contact us anytime at (312) 564-4256.