Family files wrongful death lawsuit in deadly Fox River boat crash
CHICAGO - Attorneys announced Thursday a wrongful death lawsuit stemming from the deadly July 25 boat crash on the Fox River that killed Magdalena Jablonska and injured her fiancé, Alen Telmini.
What we know:
Richard Stevenson was charged with aggravated DUI and reckless homicide after prosecutors say he was operating a pontoon boat at roughly 80 mph in a posted no-wake zone when the crash happened. Stevenson is accused of hitting and running over Jablonska's boat.
What they're saying:
Jablonska's family told Fox Chicago they want people to know 'Madzia' for who she was before the crash.
"She was my role model since I was little," said Michelle Macias, Madzia's younger sister. "She was our best friend, second mom."
Born in Poland, Madzia immigrated to the United States as a teenager before graduating from high school and enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps.
After her military service, she built a career as a project accountant while spending her free time riding motorcycles with her fiancé, traveling, visiting wineries, supporting her brothers' racing events and spoiling her beloved dog, Sasha.