Lawmakers Demand Road Safety Changes After WNBA Star’s Mom Killed

A devastating head-on collision in rural Illinois has claimed the life of Darcy Connolly-Brunner, 61, mother of former WNBA player Sophie Brunner—unleashing a fierce debate over state immigration and public safety laws. The August 9 crash on Illinois Route 26 in Stephenson County killed both Connolly-Brunner and Rolando Ico-Choc, 30, an undocumented Guatemalan national who crossed into her lane. As grief ripples through Freeport, lawmakers demand urgent reforms to prevent similar tragedies.

Could Stricter Immigration Enforcement Have Prevented This Tragedy?

Stephenson County Sheriff Steve Stovall confirmed Ico-Choc—living illegally in Freeport—had a history of impaired driving. In 2023, he faced aggravated DUI charges while driving on a suspended license. Toxicology reports suggest alcohol contributed to the crash, though Connolly-Brunner showed no signs of impairment. Homeland Security verified Ico-Choc’s undocumented status, intensifying scrutiny of Illinois’ sanctuary policies.

Republican State Senator Andrew Chesney, representing Freeport, blames two laws for the crisis:

• The TRUST Act (limiting police cooperation with federal immigration authorities).
• The SAFE-T Act (ending cash bail and modifying DUI penalties).
  Chesney argues these policies allowed Ico-Choc to remain in the U.S. despite his record: “Darcy Connolly-Brunner was killed by someone who shouldn’t have been in this country or on our roads. Repealing these laws is non-negotiable.”

How Are Communities and Policymakers Responding?

The tragedy has galvanized bipartisan calls for reform. Sheriff Stovall, visibly emotional, remembered Connolly-Brunner as a “pillar of kindness” in Freeport. Meanwhile, advocates for stricter border controls cite federal data (U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 2025) showing increased Illinois border crossings under the current administration.

Sophie Brunner, an Arizona State basketball legend who played for the Phoenix Mercury and San Antonio Stars, now mourns with her family amid national attention. Community vigils highlight Connolly-Brunner’s legacy—a stark contrast to the political fury unfolding in Springfield.

This heartbreaking collision transcends personal loss—it’s a wake-up call for Illinois policymakers. As Darcy Connolly-Brunner’s family seeks solace, voters demand accountability on sanctuary laws and road safety. Contact your state representative to advocate for change before another life is needlessly lost.

Must Know

Q: Who was Sophie Brunner’s mother?
A: Darcy Connolly-Brunner, 61, was a beloved Freeport resident and mother of ex-WNBA player Sophie Brunner. She died in an August 9 head-on collision caused by an undocumented driver.

Q: What Illinois laws are under scrutiny after the crash?
A: State Senator Andrew Chesney targets the TRUST Act (limiting ICE cooperation) and SAFE-T Act (bail reform), arguing they enabled the undocumented driver to remain in Illinois despite prior DUI charges.

Q: Was the driver in the crash legally in the United States?
A: No. Homeland Security confirmed Rolando Ico-Choc, 30, was an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala with a criminal record, including a 2023 aggravated DUI charge.

Q: How is the Freeport community honoring Darcy Connolly-Brunner?
A: Vigils and memorials celebrate her as a selfless community figure. Sheriff Steve Stovall described her as “a friend who embodied kindness,” leaving a profound void in Stephenson County.