Police Seek Videos, Witnesses In Fatal Fox River Boat Crash

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — Investigators are asking the public for help after a fatal Fox River boat crash left one woman dead and a suburban crane company executive facing reckless homicide and aggravated DUI charges.

The crash occurred around 2:30 p.m. Saturday near 1819 S. Fernwood Lane in McHenry. According to a felony complaint filed Monday in McHenry County Circuit Court, Richard M. Stevenson, 45, of Lisle, was operating a 2026 31-foot black-and-orange South Bay motorboat that “overtook” a 1997 white-and-green Crownline.

• Executive’s Blood Alcohol Nearly 3 Times Legal Limit In Fatal Fox River Boat Crash: Court Documents

A witness told investigators the South Bay was traveling at “full throttle” as it entered a no-wake area before colliding with the Crownline, according to the complaint. Court documents state the crash resulted in the decapitation and death of a female passenger aboard the second boat.

Her identity had not been released as of Monday.

Officials said there were two people aboard each boat. A man who was aboard the same vessel as the woman who was killed was taken to a hospital in critical condition and placed on life support.

Another person was hospitalized with injuries that were not considered life-threatening, according to WGN.

A toxicology report cited in the complaint showed Stevenson had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.236, nearly three times Illinois’ legal limit of 0.08.

After the collision, Stevenson’s vessel lost control and struck timber along the west bank of the river, according to the complaint. Stevenson remained at the scene and was later taken to Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital.

Investigators Seek Public’s Help

Illinois Conservation Police are asking anyone who witnessed the collision, observed either boat before or after the crash, or has information related to the incident to contact investigators.

"Conservation police are leading the investigation and are asking to hear from anyone who witnessed the crash, observed either vessel before or after the collision, or may have information related to the incident," IDNR officials said in a Monday afternoon Facebook post. "Investigators welcome any photographs or video taken in the area around the time of the crash, including cell phone video, security camera footage or video recorded while boating on the Fox River.

Since the crash, numerous people have shared videos and comments on Facebook claiming they saw the boat involved traveling at high speeds or being operated recklessly before the collision. Others have alleged the operator’s behavior at businesses and establishments along the Fox River earlier that day may be relevant.

Patch has not independently verified those claims. Investigators are asking anyone with firsthand information, photos or video to provide that information directly to Illinois Conservation Police.

Witnesses can email Illinois Conservation Police at DNR.LawReception@illinois.gov or submit information through the agency’s online incident reporting form.

Patch.com has reached out to the IDNR for more information but has not yet heard back.

Stevenson Charged, Expected In Court

Stevenson has been charged with reckless homicide involving a watercraft and aggravated DUI involving an accident causing death.

Prosecutors have filed a petition to detain Stevenson and a judge will determine whether he will remain in custody as the case moves forward during a hearing Monday afternoon, according to court documents provided to Patch.

A LinkedIn profile for Stevenson lists him as vice president of Bolingbrook-based Stevenson Crane Company, Inc.

The Fox River portion closed following the collision has since reopened. The investigation remains ongoing.