Mother of Former WNBA Star Killed After Head-on Crash with Illegal Who was ‘Repeat DUI Offender’

by Margaret Flavin Aug. 13, 2025 10:45 am



Darcy Connolly- Brunner (L) with daughter Sophie Brunner/Image credit: @Sophie Brunner/ Facebook

On Saturday, Darcy Connolly-Brunner, 61, was killed in a head-on crash in Illinois after an illegal from Guatemala, Rolando Ico-Choc, 30. Connolly-Brunner was the mother of former WNBA star Sophie Brunner.

The Stephenson County Police Department reports that the Nissan Altima, driven by Ico-Choc was traveling southbound on Illinois Route 26 North when it entered the northbound lane and collided head-on with Connolly-Brunner’s Ford Edge. Both drivers were pronounced deceased at the scene. There were no other occupants in either vehicle.

“As part of the investigation, deputies are examining whether alcohol impairment by Mr. Ico-Choc may have been a contributing factor in the crash.”

During a news conference on Tuesday, State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) called for the full repeal of Illinois’ TRUST Act and SAFE-T Act.

“A woman who dedicated her life to her family and her community was killed in broad daylight by a man who never should have been in this country or on the road,” said Chesney.

“His criminal record includes prior charges of DUI, aggravated (felony) DUI, and battery. Additionally, it was confirmed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that he was in this country illegally, having crossed the border a few years ago during the Biden administration.”

“Yet, thanks to Illinois’ TRUST Act and the SAFE-T Act, he remained in this country and was free to get back behind the wheel of a car and kill an innocent woman. It’s unacceptable, and I am sickened by it.”

“Over the last few years, this man was shielded by systems that provide sanctuary to illegal immigrants and are more focused on allowing criminals to walk free than on protecting Illinois citizens.”

“The TRUST Act allowed this criminal to remain under the radar screen and escape deportation.

Meanwhile, the SAFE-T Act continues to handcuff police, coddle criminals, and put every law-abiding family in Illinois at risk. How many more lives have to be lost before statehouse Democrats admit they’ve gone too far?”

“I am not going to sit by silently while dangerous repeat offenders who are in this country illegally are given free rein to destroy lives,” he said. “I will not stop fighting until this state puts the rights of its citizens above the rights of criminals.”

Watch:



https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/08/mother-former-wnba-star-killed-after-head-crash/