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
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…
Female cousins aged 20 and girl, 15, tortured to death on livestream

Young women aged 20 and 15 brutally killed on live stream.

Two young cousins and a 15 year-old girl were tortured and killed…
Blue city felon with violent history arrested in deadly train platform stabbing after parole release: report

Blue city felon with violent history arrested in deadly train platform stabbing after parole release: report

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Authorities have arrested a…
Coyote caught playing with dog toy in California backyard

Coyote Spotted Having Fun with Dog Toy in California Yard

SAN MARCOS, Calif. (KSWB) – In what could be the most adorable…
Schumer: Trump, GOP leaders are 'divided' over health insurance subsidies in funding bill

Schumer Claims Trump and GOP Leaders Clash Over Health Insurance Subsidies in Funding Bill

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) said a rift is emerging between…
Trump and Netanyahu say they've agreed to a plan to end Gaza war

Trump and Netanyahu Announce Agreement on Plan to End Conflict in Gaza

The plan does not require people to leave Gaza and calls for…
Arrest warrant issued for California doctor in Louisiana abortion pill case

Arrest warrant issued for California doctor in Louisiana abortion pill case

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Authorities in Louisiana have…
Keith Urban could pocket millions after split from Nicole Kidman

Keith Urban May Earn Millions Following Separation from Nicole Kidman

Keith Urban could earn over $17 million after his unexpected separation from…