McHenry County Coroner Working to ID Partial Remains from Fox River
Wertynews.com – The McHenry County Coroner’s Office has launched an investigation after partial human remains were recovered from the Fox River, according to McHenry County Coroner Dr. Michael Rein. The coroner’s office received notification from the McHenry County Sheriff’s Department approximately 9:20 p.m. on July 29, 2026, regarding the discovery. Dr. Rein confirmed that investigators are currently in the process of determining the identity of the deceased individual. This ongoing effort represents a significant priority for local authorities as they work to provide closure for any potential family members.
Collaborative Investigation Efforts
Dr. Rein emphasized the importance of thoroughness in this case. “At this time, we have not yet been able to positively identify the remains that were found,” he stated in an official announcement. The coroner’s office has established partnerships with multiple agencies to facilitate the identification process. These include the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, and the McHenry Township Fire Department. Each organization contributes specialized resources and expertise to help determine who the remains belong to and how they came to be in the river.
“We understand how difficult this uncertainty is for the families and loved ones awaiting answers, and our team is working diligently and with the utmost care to establish a positive identification as quickly as possible. We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as this process continues.”
The timing of this discovery has raised questions among residents and investigators alike. Just days before the remains were found, authorities had identified 48-year-old Magdalena Jablonska of Des Plaines as the victim of a tragic high-speed boat accident. That incident occurred on the Fox River near Riverside Drive, south of the McHenry Dam, on Saturday, July 25. The boat crash claimed Jablonska’s life and resulted in criminal charges against another individual involved in the accident.
Richard Stevenson, age 45 and a resident of Lisle, faces charges of reckless homicide and aggravated DUI stemming from the boat collision. Prosecutors revealed that Stevenson’s blood alcohol concentration was nearly three times the legal limit when the accident happened. He remains in custody and is scheduled to return to court on August 5 for further proceedings. Jablonska’s family has addressed the media publicly regarding their loss, sharing their grief and gratitude for community support during this difficult time.
While investigators have not confirmed any connection between the newly discovered remains and the recent boat crash, they continue to explore all possibilities. The McHenry County coroner working to ID the remains has not ruled out any scenarios at this stage. Authorities have withheld additional details pending further analysis and comparison of evidence. This case remains active and will receive updates as new information emerges through forensic examination and investigative work.
