A tragic boat collision on the Fox River has led to a wrongful-death lawsuit against a Lisle man, accused of intoxicated and reckless boating that resulted in the death of Magdalena Jablonska, a former U.S. Marine. The lawsuit seeks at least $50,000 in damages for Jablonska’s estate and for her fiance, Alan Telmni, who survived the incident.
Richard M. Stevenson, 45, faces charges of aggravated driving under the influence and reckless homicide. Officials state that his blood alcohol level was over twice the legal limit at the time of the accident. Stevenson currently remains in custody at the McHenry County jail, awaiting a court appearance scheduled for August 21.
The lawsuit details that the collision occurred in a “no-wake” zone near the McHenry Dam, where boats must slow down. Stevenson’s boat, a powerful 31-foot tritoon with engines producing 1,500 horsepower combined, was allegedly speeding at over 75 mph when it collided with Telmni’s slower-moving vessel. The impact was devastating, leading to Jablonska’s fatal injury.
“Stevenson’s boat literally flew over the top of it, causing the lethal injury to Magdalena Jablonska,” the lawsuit asserts.
Due to excessive speed, the front of Stevenson’s boat lifted sharply, hindering his visibility. The suit claims negligence and impairment on Stevenson’s part, attributing the wrongful death and physical injuries to Telmni.
Telmni, who was injured physically and emotionally, experienced the harrowing loss of his fiancée firsthand.
The filing in McHenry County Circuit Court highlights the impact on Jablonska’s family, including her parents and siblings, who describe her as a beacon of light. A fundraiser in her memory aims to support local dog shelters and has raised over $30,000.
Attorney representatives for the plaintiffs plan to elaborate on the litigation details in a scheduled news conference. This case underscores the lethal consequences of impaired boating on public waters.
Leave a Reply