An Illinois man accused of causing a deadly boating crash on the Fox River reportedly told others that his “life was over” following the collision, according to prosecutors.

Richard Stevenson, 45, is accused of operating a 31-foot pontoon at speeds approaching 80 mph when it collided with a smaller boat in a designated no-wake area, prosecutors and witnesses said.

The impact reportedly sent Stevenson’s boat into the air before it came down near trees along the riverbank. Magdalena Jablonska, 49, a former U.S. Marine, was fatally injured in the incident.

Jablonska’s brother, Marcin Jablonski, described her as a kind and caring person who was always willing to help others. He also said that a man identified as her fiancé was injured in the crash.

One passenger on Stevenson’s boat reportedly told prosecutors that Stevenson was crying near the shoreline after the incident and repeatedly said that his “life was over.”

Another witness alleged that Stevenson had consumed alcohol before operating the boat. According to the witness statement, he reportedly had two shots of Fireball whiskey before drinking at a bar and restaurant and was later accused of consuming more alcohol while on the water.

After the crash, prosecutors said Stevenson declined field sobriety testing and a breath test. He also reportedly initially refused a court-ordered blood test before eventually agreeing to it after being taken to Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital.

Prosecutors said the test showed a blood alcohol concentration of approximately .20, which is well above the legal limit for operating a vehicle.

During a court hearing, Assistant State’s Attorney Brian Miller argued that Stevenson should remain in custody while the case moves forward, citing what prosecutors described as a history of previous driving-related offenses.

According to prosecutors, Stevenson had 11 driving offenses between 1997 and 2005, including three DUI-related offenses, three reckless driving offenses, four speeding violations, and a charge involving fleeing and eluding police.

He also reportedly received a misdemeanor citation in 2023 for driving between 26 and 34 mph over the speed limit.

Stevenson now faces felony charges including reckless homicide and aggravated DUI in connection with the boating crash.

He is scheduled to appear in McHenry County court again on August 5.

The investigation and legal proceedings are ongoing, and the allegations against Stevenson have not been proven in court.