New Court Details Emerge in Richard Stevenson's Case After Fatal River Crash

 A summer afternoon on the Fox River turned into a deadly tragedy, and a courtroom hearing has now revealed new details surrounding the crash that claimed one woman’s life. Richard Stevenson, 45, of Lisle, remains in custody after a McHenry County judge denied pretrial release, citing concerns about public safety following allegations involving intoxicated and reckless boating. The case has drawn attention as prosecutors describe a preventable collision with devastating consequences.

According to prosecutors, the crash occurred Saturday afternoon on the Fox River south of the McHenry Dam when Stevenson was operating a pontoon boat that allegedly collided with another vessel. They told the court that the boat was traveling at a high rate of speed, reportedly around 80 mph in an area where a no-wake restriction was in place. The impact sent the larger boat over the smaller vessel, resulting in the death of a 48-year-old woman and injuries to two other people. The victim’s identity has not been publicly released.

During Monday’s hearing, prosecutors argued that Stevenson’s alleged actions created a serious risk to others on the water. They stated that a blood draw conducted after the crash showed a blood alcohol concentration between approximately 0.20 and 0.236, which is significantly above the legal limit for operating a motor vehicle. Prosecutors also said witnesses reported that Stevenson had consumed alcohol, including Fireball whiskey and additional shots, before the collision occurred.

The court also heard arguments regarding Stevenson’s previous driving history, which prosecutors presented as a factor in their request for detention. Records cited during the hearing reportedly show multiple traffic-related cases spanning more than two decades. Those records include previous DUI convictions, reckless-driving convictions, fleeing-and-eluding cases, and speeding violations. Prosecutors argued that the history, combined with the circumstances of the boat crash, demonstrated an ongoing concern for community safety.

Defense arguments and the full details of the case will continue to be addressed through the legal process as Stevenson’s case moves forward. The allegations presented in court remain claims, and Stevenson is entitled to a fair trial where evidence will be considered. The investigation and prosecution will determine the facts surrounding the collision and whether criminal responsibility is established.

Judge Cynthia D. Lamb ultimately ruled that release conditions such as GPS monitoring, alcohol monitoring, or home confinement would not provide sufficient protection for the public. According to reports from the hearing, the judge determined that Stevenson represented a significant safety concern and ordered him to remain in the McHenry County Jail while awaiting trial. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 5.

For the victim’s family and those injured in the crash, the legal proceedings follow an unimaginable loss caused by a violent moment on the river. Prosecutors described the incident as a tragedy that transformed what should have been an ordinary summer day into a scene of destruction and grief. The community continues waiting for further developments as authorities and the courts address the case.

The Fox River boating crash has raised renewed attention about the dangers of impaired and reckless operation of watercraft. As the investigation continues, officials are working through evidence, witness accounts, and court proceedings to establish what happened before the collision. The outcome of the case will ultimately be decided through the judicial process.

Richard Stevenson’s detention marks the latest development in a case that has deeply affected those connected to the crash. While the court proceedings continue, the memory of the woman who lost her life remains at the center of the tragedy. Her family, the injured survivors, and everyone impacted by the incident continue facing the consequences of a day that changed their lives forever.