Authorities have arrested a 45-year-old man following a fatal boating accident on the Fox River that left one person dead and two others injured. Richard M. Stevenson is facing multiple serious criminal charges in connection with the incident, including reckless homicide and aggravated driving under the influence resulting in great bodily harm.
According to investigators, the crash occurred on the Fox River during what authorities say was a recreational boating outing. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of a collision involving a boat carrying several occupants. Rescue crews worked quickly to assist those involved, but one individual was pronounced dead as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. Two additional victims were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment, with officials describing their injuries as significant.
Following a preliminary investigation, law enforcement officials alleged that Stevenson had been operating the boat while under the influence of alcohol or another intoxicating substance. Investigators say evidence gathered at the scene led to his arrest and the subsequent filing of criminal charges. The reckless homicide charge reflects allegations that his actions directly resulted in the victim’s death, while the aggravated DUI charge relates to the serious injuries suffered by the surviving passengers.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased pending notification of family members. Additional details about the circumstances leading up to the collision, including the speed of the boat and whether other vessels were involved, remain under investigation.
Officials emphasized that the charges are allegations, and Stevenson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. He is expected to appear before a judge for an initial court hearing, where prosecutors may outline the evidence supporting the charges and request conditions for his release or continued detention.
The investigation into the deadly Fox River boating crash remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather witness statements and forensic evidence to determine the full sequence of events.