A man with a history of driving under the influence is accused of causing a fatal boat crash on the Fox River in Illinois by operating his vessel at approximately 80 mph in a no-wake zone. Richard Stevenson, 45, faces charges including aggravated driving under the influence causing death and reckless homicide after his 31-foot pontoon boat collided with a 20-foot Crownline on Saturday, July 25.
Prosecutors allege Stevenson had been drinking throughout the day before the collision. A BAC test administered shortly after the crash showed his blood alcohol concentration was approximately .236, significantly above the legal limit. He also allegedly refused field sobriety testing and a breath test.
Authorities stated that Stevenson was found near the shoreline where his boat came to rest. Two other individuals who were on Stevenson's boat reportedly left the scene before law enforcement arrived. The victim, a 48-year-old woman, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her husband was also injured in the crash.
During a court hearing, a judge ordered Stevenson to be held in custody. Deputy Chief Brian Miller described Stevenson as "a ticking time-bomb and that bomb went off this past Saturday on the Fox River." According to prosecutors, Stevenson has been charged with driving under the influence on three prior occasions, reckless driving three times, and has committed four misdemeanor speeding offenses.
McHenry County State's Attorney Randi L. Freese stated, "Our rivers and lakes should be places where families can safely enjoy time together, not places where the reckless and impaired can turn a summer day into a tragedy." She added that her office is committed to pursuing justice for the victim and her loved ones.
Stevenson's next court date is scheduled for August 5. The identity of the deceased woman has not yet been released. Fox News Digital has reached out to Stevenson's attorney for comment.