Car accident proves fatal for the mother of a former WNBA player, authorities claim, the unlawful immigrant reportedly involved.
In a shocking turn of events, a head-on collision on Illinois Route 26 in Stephenson County claimed the life of Darcy Connolly-Brunner, the mother of former WNBA player Sophie Brunner. The other party involved in the fatal accident was Rolando Ico-Choc, a Guatemalan national who had reportedly lived in Freeport before.
According to reports, Ico-Choc had a criminal past, with records showing he was charged with aggravated DUI with a license suspended or revoked in 2023. Alcohol may have played a role in the crash, according to WIFR-TV, but there was no indication that Darcy Connolly-Brunner was under the influence.
Illinois state Sen. Andrew Chesney expressed his disapproval of Ico-Choc being in the country and on the road, citing his criminal history and illegal status. In response, Sen. Chesney called for the repeal of the TRUST Act and the SAFE-T Act, stating they contributed to Ico-Choc being in the country.
The TRUST Act, passed in 2017, limits local law enforcement's involvement in federal civil immigration enforcement, preventing them from arresting individuals based solely on immigration status unless there's a federal warrant. However, Illinois House Bill 4102, aiming to repeal the TRUST Act, was introduced on August 20, 2025, but is still in its early stages.
Sheriff Steve Stovall described Darcy Connolly-Brunner as a kind and giving person who cared deeply for her family and friends. Sophie Brunner, the victim's mother, was a local basketball star in Freeport and played college basketball at Arizona State. Sophie Brunner joined the WNBA in 2017, playing for the Phoenix Mercury and San Antonio Silver Stars.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem criticized Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson during a visit to Illinois on Aug. 8, 2025, calling for stricter border control and immigration policies. The exact status of the SAFE-T Act, a separate piece of legislation often discussed in the context of law enforcement reform and policies in Illinois, was not provided in the search results. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on the SAFE-T Act, checking current legislative updates or official government sources would be advisable.
This tragic incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of current immigration laws and the role they play in ensuring public safety. The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to be released in due course.
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