‘She Was the Sunshine’: Family Remembers U.S. Marine Veteran Killed in Fatal Fox River Boat Crash

MCHENRY, Ill. — Family members are remembering Magdalena Jablonska, a 48-year-old U.S. Marine veteran from Des Plaines, as a selfless woman who dedicated her life to helping others after she was killed in a devastating boat crash on the Fox River that authorities say was caused by an intoxicated and speeding boater. 

Jablonska died Saturday afternoon after a boat she was riding in with her fiancé was struck from behind by another vessel near the McHenry Dam in an unincorporated area of McHenry County. According to investigators, the couple was traveling north through a designated no-wake zone around 2:30 p.m. when a larger boat allegedly slammed into them at a high rate of speed. Her fiancé was injured and transported to a hospital. 

Her brother, Marcin Jablonski, described his sister as a bright light in the lives of everyone she met.

“Magdalena was always the sunshine wherever she went.”

He added that her military service reflected the compassion she showed throughout her life.

“As a U.S. Marine, it was natural that Magdalena was always helping someone in need.”

He also said:

“Magdalena was the sunshine in every place she went, and one of her favorite things to do was help dogs in need. Please pray for my family in this difficult time.” 

To honor her memory, Jablonska’s family created a GoFundMe campaign with plans to donate the proceeds to a dog shelter, reflecting her lifelong love of animals. As of Wednesday, the fundraiser had raised more than $12,000. 

According to a criminal complaint, Richard M. Stevenson, 45, of Lisle, was operating a 31-foot South Bay boat when he allegedly overtook and struck the smaller Crownline boat occupied by Jablonska and her fiancé. Witnesses told investigators the larger vessel entered the no-wake zone at “full throttle” before colliding with the victims’ boat. 

Prosecutors allege Stevenson was traveling approximately 80 mph and had been consuming Fireball Whisky before the crash. During a detention hearing, McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office Deputy Chief Brian Miller condemned the defendant’s alleged actions.

“This man was a ticking time-bomb and that bomb went off this past Saturday on the Fox River.” 

Authorities said Stevenson was later found near the shoreline after his boat ran aground and was taken to a hospital before being arrested. He has been charged with reckless homicide and aggravated DUI causing death and remains in custody pending further court proceedings. Prosecutors also said two passengers aboard Stevenson’s boat left the scene before later speaking with investigators. 

The fatal collision prompted a massive emergency response and temporarily closed the Fox River between the Stratton Lock and Holiday Hills while investigators processed the scene. Officials later reopened the river Saturday evening. 

As family members continue to grieve, they say they hope Magdalena Jablonska will be remembered not for the tragedy that claimed her life, but for her kindness, generosity, military service, and unwavering commitment to helping others.