'She Was The Sunshine Every Place She Went': Marine Killed In Boat Crash Remembered As Selfless

MCHENRY, IL — A 49-year-old woman killed in a devastating Fox River boating crash is being remembered by her family as "the sunshine in every place she went," whose compassion for others extended from serving her country to caring for dogs in need.

Magdalena Jablonska, of Des Plaines, died Saturday after a high-performance boat traveling at least 80 mph in a no-wake zone barrelled into the smaller boat she and her fiancé were riding in near 1819 S. Fernwood Lane in McHenry, according to court documents and a GoFundMe set up by her brother, Marcin Jablonski.

Jablonska was decapitated in the collision and pronounced dead at the scene. Her fiancé suffered critical injuries in the collision.

Richard Stevenson, 45, of Lisle, has been charged with reckless homicide and aggravated DUI. Prosecutors allege he had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.20 — more than twice Illinois' legal limit for operating a watercraft — at the time of the collision.

Jablonska immigrated to the U.S. from Poland and joined the U.S. Marines "straight out of high school," her sister, Michelle Macias, told NBC Chicago.

"She would go above and beyond for anyone, there was no one like her, the most selfless and kind person you would ever meet," Macias told NBC.

To honor his sister's memory, Marcin Jablonski launched a GoFundMe that will benefit a dog shelter. He said supporting dogs in need reflects one of Jablonska's greatest passions.

"Magdalena was the sunshine in every place she went," Jablonski wrote. "As a U.S. Marine, it was natural that Magdalena was always helping someone in need."

In a public Facebook post, Jablonski reflected on the loss of his sister.

"I miss you and will always love you Magdalena Maria Jabłońska. I always thought we were going to grow old together like brother and sister should. You always helped everyone no matter the cost. I will pray for you every day," he wrote.

The family also asked for prayers as they grieve and said they hope Stevenson is held accountable.

"We are giving our hopes and faith they will do right by her so nobody else gets hurt," Macias told NBC.

On Tuesday, Bolingbrook-based Stevenson Crane Service announced it had terminated Richard Stevenson's employment. The company said Stevenson worked in its equipment sales department and "held no leadership role, had no involvement in company operations and no ownership interest in the company."

"A tragic incident occurred this weekend involving Richard Stevenson and we offer our sincerest condolences to the victims' families and loved ones," Stevenson Crane Service said in its statement.

• Crane Company Fires Man Charged In Fatal Fox River Crash: Statement

On Monday, a McHenry County judge ordered Stevenson held in jail pending trial. Prosecutors argued he posed a danger to the community because of his criminal history, which includes prior DUI and reckless driving convictions, and the circumstances of Saturday's crash. They allege the collision at about 2:30 p.m. Saturday happened after Stevenson spent the day drinking while boating on the Chain O' Lakes and Fox River.

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

"This man was a ticking time bomb, and that bomb went off this past Saturday on the Fox River," Deputy Chief Brian Miller of the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office said during Monday's detention hearing.

Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg called the crash a "preventable" tragedy.

"Like so many in our community, I am frustrated and saddened by the reckless, dangerous and inexcusable actions of a boater on the Fox River whose actions claimed one life and critically injured another person," Idleburg said. "Our hearts go out to the victims and their families, and we are hoping for the recovery of the person critically injured."

Idleburg said the crash has raised understandable concerns about safety on the Chain O' Lakes and Fox River, adding that the sheriff's office has expanded its Marine Unit in recent years and will continue working with partner agencies to keep the waterways safe.

"But law enforcement cannot do this alone," Idleburg said. "If you are operating a boat, commit to being sober. Operate carefully, follow posted regulations, and if you see someone operating a vessel in a careless or reckless manner, call 911."