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
Michigan church shooter's romance history emerges as suspect's father apologizes to victims' families

Michigan church shooter’s romance history emerges as suspect’s father apologizes to victims’ families

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! GRAND BLANC, Mich. –…
Trump suggests using 'dangerous' cities as military 'training grounds'

Trump Proposes Utilizing ‘Risky’ Cities for Military Training Exercises

President Trump on Tuesday told a gathering of military leaders they should…
Mystery fleet of US Air Force tankers crossing Atlantic stirs war fear

Mysterious US Air Force tanker fleet crossing Atlantic ignites war concerns

Flight trackers recently detected a group of US air tankers making their…
ICE officers clash with protestors at Broadview Illinois ICE facility.

Family Reports Detained Man Deported from Broadview ICE Facility

() A man who was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs…
Chicago biker provokes border patrol agents, claiming he's not a 'US citizen' before wild chase

Biker in Chicago Claims He’s Not a ‘US Citizen,’ Sparks Intense Chase with Border Patrol Agents

A bold cyclist taunted US Customs and Border Protection officers in downtown…
House Democrats rally at Capitol in last-ditch effort to alter spending bill

House Democrats Make Final Push to Amend Spending Bill at Capitol

House Democrats rallied in the Capitol on Monday evening in an 11th-hour…
Simpsons movie confirmed... but fans fear the worst

The Simpsons Movie Confirmed, But Fans Are Worried

A new Simpsons movie has officially been confirmed – igniting both excitement…
Trump announces peace plan: President hails 'one of the greatest days'

Trump Unveils Peace Plan, Celebrates ‘One of the Greatest Days’

Donald Trump dramatically announced that he would rule Gaza with Sir Tony Blair…