Former WNBA star’s mother killed in crash, sparks demands by lawmakers for major policy changes

A tragic car crash in Illinois has taken the life of a former WNBA player’s mother and sparked calls for major changes to state laws. The accident happened on August 9 in Stephenson County when two vehicles collided head-on on Illinois Route 26.

Darcy Connolly-Brunner, 61, died in the crash along with the other driver, Rolando Ico-Choc, 30. Officials said Ico-Choc crossed the center line in his Nissan Altima and hit Connolly-Brunner’s Ford Edge. Connolly-Brunner was the mother of Sophie Brunner, who played professional basketball in the WNBA.

The crash has Illinois lawmakers demanding major policy changes after officials revealed that Ico-Choc was in the country illegally. Stephenson County Sheriff Steve Stovall said at a press conference that Ico-Choc was believed to be a Guatemalan national who had lived in Freeport before. The sheriff also said alcohol may have played a role in the deadly accident.

Criminal history raises questions about state policies

Sheriff Stovall revealed that Ico-Choc had a criminal past that included charges related to drunk driving. Records show he was charged with aggravated DUI with a license suspended or revoked in 2023. Officials said there was no sign that Connolly-Brunner was under the influence at the time of the crash.

Illinois state Senator Andrew Chesney said Homeland Security officials confirmed that Ico-Choc was in the country illegally. The Republican lawmaker from Freeport called for the repeal of two state laws, joining other politicians who have taken strong stances on policy issues that he believes allowed Ico-Choc to remain in Illinois despite his criminal record and illegal status.

Chesney said in a statement that Connolly-Brunner was killed by someone who should not have been in the country or driving on the roads. He pointed to the TRUST Act and the SAFE-T Act as laws that contributed to the situation. The senator said Ico-Choc had crossed the border during the Biden administration and remained free to drive despite his criminal history.

The sheriff spoke personally about the victim, calling Connolly-Brunner more than just a community member. Stovall said she was a friend who was kind and giving, and someone who cared deeply for her family and friends. The loss has affected many people in the local community who knew her.

Sophie Brunner was a well-known basketball player in Freeport before going on to play college basketball at Arizona State. She entered the WNBA in 2017 and played for both the Phoenix Mercury and San Antonio Silver Stars during her professional career. The family now faces the difficult task of dealing with this sudden and tragic loss while the community mourns alongside them.