A Lisle man is facing a wrongful-death lawsuit following a boat collision on the Fox River that resulted in the death of a former U.S. Marine from Des Plaines. The incident occurred on July 25 in a designated "no-wake" zone just south of the McHenry Dam, where boaters are required to reduce their speeds.
The suit, filed Wednesday in McHenry County Circuit Court, names Richard M. Stevenson, 45, as the defendant. According to the lawsuit, Stevenson was driving his 31-foot tritoon boat, powered by three 500-horsepower engines, at a speed exceeding 75 mph when it struck a smaller, slow-moving boat occupied by Magdalena Jablonska and her fiancé, Alan Telmni. The complaint alleges that Stevenson was intoxicated at the time, with a blood alcohol level reportedly more than twice the legal limit for operating a vessel.
The collision caused catastrophic injuries, including a decapitation, which resulted in Jablonska’s death. The suit alleges that parts of Stevenson’s boat, such as the outboard sterndrives, pontoon tubes, or propellers, caused the fatal injury. Telmni, who was seated next to Jablonska when the crash occurred, survived but sustained physical injuries and emotional trauma. The lawsuit notes that Telmni witnessed the fatal injury to his fiancé and was struck on his left side during the accident.
Family members described Jablonska, 48, as a former Marine who brought joy to those around her. She is survived by Telmni, her parents, and four siblings. In the wake of her death, family members have established an online fundraiser supporting two dog shelters, which had raised over $30,000 by Wednesday.
Stevenson faces criminal charges including aggravated driving under the influence and reckless homicide. He remains in custody at the McHenry County jail and is scheduled for a court appearance on August 21. Plaintiff attorneys have announced a news conference Thursday morning to provide further details about the litigation. The lawsuit seeks at least $50,000 in damages on behalf of Jablonska’s estate and Telmni.