Former WNBA player's mother killed in crash with man in US illegally: Officials
Share and Follow

FREEPORT, Ill. (WTVO) Authorities say the mother of former WNBA star Sophie Brunner and a man in the U.S. illegally are dead after a two-car crash in rural Illinois.

According to Stephenson County Sheriff Steven Stovall, deputies were called to the scene on Route 26 early Saturday afternoon.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Stovall said the preliminary investigation revealed Darcy Brunner, 61, was driving a Ford Edge northbound when she was struck head-on by a Nissan Altima driven by Rolando Ico-Choc, 30, a native of Guatemala.

Police said the Altima crossed into the northbound lane. Both drivers were killed in the crash, Stovall said. Authorities are awaiting results of toxicology tests, but Stovall indicated Brunner is not thought to be at fault.

Brunner’s daughter, Sophie, a graduate of Freeport Aquin, played in the NCAA for Arizona State and played for the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA in 2017.

Arizona State forward Sophie Brunner (21) shoots as Arkansas Little Rock forward Kaitlyn Pratt (40) defends during the second half of a women’s second round NCAA tournament college basketball game, Monday, March 23, 2015, Tempe, Ariz. Arizona State won 57-54. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Sen. Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) said Ico-Choc, who was in the country illegally. He was a multiple DUI offender known to the Department of Homeland Security, and had a detainer issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Chesney added.

At the press conference on Tuesday, Chesney said Illinois’ TRUST Act prevented law enforcement from deporting Ico-Choc.

“I hold JB Prizker personally responsible. I hold the Democrats personally responsible,” said Rep. John Cabello (R-Machesney Park). “A life was taken by someone who shouldn’t have been here.”

The TRUST Act, signed by former Gov. Bruce Rauner (R) in 2017, prevents state law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. It was amended by the Way Forward Act, which added additional requirements and protections.

“If we find there was a warrant for this man’s arrest, we all need to rise up and we need to demand resignations from our elected officials,” Cabello added.

Chesney has introduced Senate Bill 1313, which would reverse the 2017 law and ensure “undocumented immigrants charged with or convicted of a felony are identified, reported, and deported,” according to a press release.

Gov. Pritzker has said that violent noncitizens “should be imprisoned and, or if they’re illegal, undocumented in this country and they are committing violent crimes, they should be deported and turned over to authorities in their countries.”

“We should be protecting residents of the state of Illinois, even if they’re undocumented residents, and providing a path to citizenship,” Pritzker added.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Michael J. Fox, Kate Bosworth, Nikki Glaser and more

Michael J. Fox, Kate Bosworth, and Nikki Glaser Among Notable Personalities Making Waves

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research hosted its yearly fundraising…
Jelly Roll battled severe isolation, illness away from family during Australia tour

Jelly Roll’s Australian Tour: Overcoming Isolation and Illness Away from Family

Jelly Roll encountered a significant emotional challenge during his concert tour. While…
Marjorie Taylor Greene is hit with DEATH THREATS 'egged on by Trump'

Marjorie Taylor Greene Faces Alarming Death Threats Amid Controversial Trump Allegations

Marjorie Taylor Greene has reported receiving numerous death threats over the past…
My warning to midlife women about open marriages: JANET ELLIS

Janet Ellis Cautions Midlife Women on the Risks of Open Marriages: A Candid Perspective

Back in 1983, the buzz at the primary school gates was electrifying.…
Former Zelenskyy associate accused in $100 million embezzlement scheme

Ex-Zelenskyy Associate Allegedly Involved in $100 Million Embezzlement Scandal

A former colleague of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been implicated as…
White House fury at Trump 'monster' jibe in showpiece BBC lecture

White House Responds Strongly to Trump’s Controversial Remarks During BBC Lecture

The ongoing conflict between the BBC and Donald Trump has intensified with…
Property tax hike: Chicago homeowners gather at Harmony Community Church in Lawndale to discuss new house tax bill increases

Chicago Homeowners Rally at Harmony Community Church to Address Rising Property Taxes

In the heart of Chicago, at Harmony Community Church in Lawndale, residents…
Argentina reveals secret WWII files on Hitler's henchmen who fled before, after the war

Unveiled: Argentina’s Secret WWII Files Expose Hidden Lives of Nazi Fugitives

Earlier this year, Argentine President Javier Milei unveiled a cache of over…