Crime & Safety
Family Of Woman Killed In Fox River Boat Crash Plans Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The lawsuit is expected to be filed this week following the fatal July 25 collision, attorneys say.
The family of a woman killed in a July 25 boating crash on the Fox River plan to file a wrongful death lawsuit this week, according to attorneys representing her estate.
GWC Injury Lawyers announced Monday they expect to file the lawsuit on behalf of the estate of 48-year-old Magdalena Jablonska, who was killed in the crash, and her fiancé, Alen Telmini, who was injured. According to the law firm, the lawsuit will seek to hold all responsible parties accountable for the collision.
The crash occurred on the Fox River near McHenry when, according to authorities, Richard Stevenson was operating a tri-toon boat that struck the couple's 20-foot Crownline runabout in a marked no-wake zone. Prosecutors have alleged Stevenson was intoxicated and traveling at or near 80 mph at the time of the crash.
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Stevenson remains behind bars on reckless homicide and aggravated DUI charges as court proceedings move forward.
The law firm said its investigation will examine whether additional individuals or entities may share responsibility for the crash, including whether the boat was negligently entrusted to the operator or whether other parties could be held liable under Illinois law, according to a news release from GWC Injury Lawyers.
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"Our mission is to uncover every fact and identify every party whose conduct may have contributed to this tragedy," attorney Louis C. Cairo said in a statement.
Attorneys said they also plan to retain boating safety experts and accident reconstruction specialists as part of their investigation. Jablonska's family also hopes the case will lead to stronger boating safety laws and enforcement in Illinois, according to the firm, according to GWC lawyers.
GWC Injury Lawyers said it expects to file the lawsuit later this week and plans to hold a press conference after the complaint is filed.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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