One person was killed and several others were injured following a serious two-boat collision on the Fox River near the McHenry Dam on Saturday afternoon, prompting a large emergency response from local fire, law enforcement, and rescue agencies.
The McHenry Township Fire Protection District and the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office responded at approximately 2:30 p.m. to the 1800 block of South Fernwood Lane in unincorporated McHenry after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting a major boating accident on the river.
When emergency crews arrived, they found that two boats had collided south of the McHenry Dam. Witnesses at the scene reported that one of the vessels had been travelling at a high rate of speed before riding over another boat during the crash. Authorities have not confirmed those witness accounts, and the circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation.
Paramedics located one occupant with fatal injuries. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, and the McHenry County Coroner’s Office responded to recover the deceased and begin the process of determining the official cause and manner of death. Officials have not yet released the victim’s identity pending notification of next of kin.
Fire officials said all remaining occupants involved in the crash had made it safely out of the water before first responders arrived. Several individuals suffered injuries and were evaluated or transported for medical treatment. The extent of those injuries has not been publicly disclosed.
Emergency personnel secured the area while investigators documented the scene and searched the river to ensure no additional victims remained in the water. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is assisting the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office with the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are working to determine exactly what led to the collision, including whether speed, operator error, impairment, or other contributing factors played a role.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has photos, video, or additional information is encouraged to contact the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office as the investigation continues.
Further updates are expected once the victim has been formally identified and additional investigative findings are released.
