A 45-year-old Illinois man has been charged with reckless homicide after his pontoon boat crashed into another vessel at 80 miles per hour, decapitating a 48-year-old woman on the Fox River. Richard Stevenson, who prosecutors say had a blood alcohol level two and a half times the legal limit, was arrested following the collision in McHenry County on Saturday afternoon.
Crash details and charges
The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. in a no-wake zone when Stevenson allegedly rammed his 31-foot pontoon into the rear of a smaller 20-foot Crownline boat. The victim, whose name has not been released, was killed instantly, while her husband sustained injuries. Stevenson now faces reckless homicide and two counts of aggravated driving under the influence.
Prosecutors revealed at Monday’s detention hearing that Stevenson’s blood alcohol concentration measured approximately .200—far above Illinois’ .08 legal limit for operating a vehicle. Witnesses reported seeing him drinking throughout the day, and surveillance footage captured the boat traveling at extreme speeds on both the Fox River and adjoining Chain O’Lakes prior to the crash.
Stevenson’s prior offenses
Court records show Stevenson had three previous DUI charges, along with three reckless driving convictions and four misdemeanor speeding offenses. Deputy Chief Brian Miller described him as a “ticking time-bomb” during the hearing, where a judge ordered him held without bail ahead of his August 5 court appearance.
Police found Stevenson near the pontoon boat along the riverbank’s treeline after the crash. Two other passengers on his vessel had already left the scene by the time authorities arrived. Stevenson was taken to Northwestern Hospital in McHenry for evaluation before being charged.
What happens next
Stevenson remains in custody pending his next court date. Prosecutors have not indicated whether additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues. The McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office is handling the case.
