McHenry Co. coroner working to ID partial remains pulled from Fox River

The McHenry County Coroner's Office is investigating after partial human remains were found in the Fox River. Coroner Dr. Michael Rein confirmed the office was notified by the McHenry County Sheriff's Office on July 29, 2026.

"At this time, we have not yet been able to positively identify the remains that were found," Rein stated. "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."

The coroner's office is working with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the McHenry County Sheriff's Office, and the McHenry Township Fire Department. The discovery follows a fatal boat crash on July 25, where 48-year-old Magdalena Jablonska died. Richard Stevenson, 45, was charged in connection with that crash. Authorities have not yet determined if the newly found remains are connected to the boat crash or any other incident. The identification process is ongoing.

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At this time, we have not yet been able to positively identify the remains that were found. 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.