A tragic boat crash on July 25 on the Fox River has led to the filing of a wrongful-death lawsuit. The crash involved a Lisle man, Richard M. Stevenson, who was intoxicated and driving recklessly, resulting in the death of Magdalena Jablonska, a former U.S. Marine from Des Plaines.
The lawsuit seeks at least $50,000 in damages for the estate of Jablonska and for her fiancé, Alan Telmni, who survived the collision but witnessed the harrowing event. Stevenson faces charges of aggravated driving under the influence and reckless homicide. His blood alcohol level was reportedly more than double the legal limit when he was tested post-crash.
According to the authorities, the crash happened in a “no-wake” zone just south of the McHenry Dam, where boats are expected to reduce speed. Stevenson’s 31-foot tritoon, equipped with three 500-horsepower engines, allegedly barreled at least 75 mph, crashing into the rear of Telmni’s slower-moving boat.
The lawsuit describes a horrific scene where Stevenson’s boat flew over Telmni’s, leading to a decapitation injury for Jablonska. It asserts that Stevenson’s speed caused his boat’s front end to raise, impairing his view of other vessels and contributing to the accident.
Filed in McHenry County Circuit Court, the suit claims Stevenson’s legal impairment at the time of the crash exacerbated the tragedy. It also cites physical and emotional injuries to Telmni, who not only sustained physical injuries but also witnessed the death of his fiancé, mere inches away from him.
A news conference by the plaintiffs’ attorneys is scheduled for Thursday to provide further details on the litigation. In addition to her fiancé, Jablonska leaves behind her parents and four siblings. Known as a former Marine, her family described her as bringing sunshine wherever she went. An online fundraiser has been started in her honor to support two dog shelters, raising over $30,000 to date.