07/28/2026
14 years ago today we lost Tony and this news has been incredibly hard on us. We are holding the victim, her husband and their entire family close to our hearts and will never stop our mission to eradicate intoxicated boating.
Please remember that these are real people behind these headlines who just had the worst day of their lives. I will never fully be able to get off of the boat after seeing how violently Tony was killed, a part of me died alongside my little brother that day and we all still suffer from PTSD. He never stood a chance of surviving just like this poor victim due to the reckless choices of selfish individuals. Our family will never ever be the same and neither will theirs.
Thank you for your continued support đź’šđź’›
A message from Sheriff John D. Idleburg:
“Like so many in our community, I am frustrated and saddened by the reckless, dangerous, and inexcusable and preventable actions of a boater on the Fox River whose actions claimed one life and critically injured another person last weekend. The victims were people simply enjoying time on our recreational waterways. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families, and we are hoping for the recovery of the person critically injured.
While the crash occurred in McHenry County, Lake County Sheriff’s Marine Unit Deputies immediately responded to assist. Since the crash, I’ve heard concerns from community members about safety on our Chain O’Lakes system. Those concerns are completely understandable.
I want our community to know what we are doing to keep those who use our waterways safe.
Over the years, we have made significant investments in our Marine Unit, increasing both our equipment and the number of personnel available during the busy summer months. Today, our Marine Unit operates eight emergency response and patrol watercraft. This includes two personal watercraft, added through our partnership with Nielsen Enterprises and Sea-Doo, which allow deputies to quickly reach areas traditional patrol boats may have difficulty accessing. Our fleet also includes four full-size emergency patrol and response boats, a vessel assigned to Lake Michigan, and an inland waterway boat that can be deployed to lakes outside the Chain O’Lakes system.
We also work closely with the Fox Waterway Agency, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police, McHenry County Sheriff's Office, and area fire departments/protection districts. The collaboration among our agencies is strong and focused on keeping our waterways safe. The Y-NoT Project has also been an invaluable partner in helping secure additional resources and equipment for law enforcement.
The Chain O’Lakes system can see more than 100,000 users during busy weekends and holidays. We have significantly increased our ability to respond to that activity. Several years ago, we had only a few personnel eligible to patrol our waterways, and limited watercraft. Today, 41 full-time sheriff’s deputies and part-time Marine Unit deputies are trained and available to serve on the water.
In 2025 alone, our Marine Unit responded to more than 85 emergency calls for service and conducted hundreds of vessel stops and safety inspections. Those efforts resulted in arrests for operating under the influence, enforcement of boating laws, and, most importantly, lives saved and safer waterways for everyone.
But law enforcement cannot do this alone. We want everyone to enjoy the Chain O’Lakes and our other waterways, but we need everyone to do so responsibly.
If you are operating a boat, commit to being sober. Operate carefully. Follow posted regulations. Be mindful of your speed and wake. And if you see someone operating a vessel in a careless or reckless manner, call 911 so deputies can respond.
One reckless decision on the water can tragically change multiple families’ lives forever.
My staff and I care deeply about everyone who lives, works, and visits Lake County. We will continue doing everything in our power to keep our waterways and our community safe.”
