McHenry County, IL (July 27, 2026) – A man is facing charges after a boat crash on the Fox River near McHenry left one person dead and two others injured Saturday afternoon, July 25.
Authorities said the crash happened around 2:30 p.m. in the 1800 block of Fernwood Ln, south of the McHenry Dam. Investigators said a larger boat was traveling at a high speed in a no-wake zone before it struck a smaller boat. The driver, identified as 45-year-old Richard Stevenson of Lisle, was charged with aggravated driving under the influence and reckless homicide.
Officials said there were two people aboard each boat. A woman on the smaller boat was pronounced dead at the scene, while a man from the same boat was taken to a hospital on life support. One person from the other boat was located and treated for non-life-threatening injuries after both occupants initially left the area. The investigation into the fatal boat crash remains ongoing.
Our condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the person who lost their life.
How Do No-Wake Zones Help Prevent Boat Crashes?
No-wake zones are designed to reduce boat speeds in areas where there may be increased risks from nearby vessels, swimmers, docks, or shoreline activity. Lower speeds give operators more time to react and reduce the force involved if a crash occurs.
Investigators reviewing boating crashes examine vessel positions, speed, waterway rules, operator actions, and witness statements. These details can help determine how the boats interacted before the collision and what factors contributed.
Safe boating practices include following posted waterway restrictions, maintaining awareness of nearby vessels, and avoiding operation while impaired. Careful decisions on the water can help protect passengers, other boaters, and people near the shoreline.
