Illegal Alien with a DUI History Kills Former WNBA Player’s Mother in Head-On Collision [WATCH]

The mother of former WNBA player Sophie Brunner was killed in a head-on collision in Illinois involving an illegal alien with a documented history of drunk driving offenses, authorities said, as reported by The New York Post.

The Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that 61-year-old Darcy Connolly-Brunner died Saturday afternoon when a vehicle driven by 30-year-old Rolando Ico-Choc of Guatemala crossed into the wrong lane in Freeport, striking her car.

Ex-WNBA star Sophie Brunner’s mom killed in head-on crash with illegal immigrant with history of driving drunk https://t.co/ksp9yTIXgE

— Florida Jolt (@FloridaJolt) August 13, 2025

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Ico-Choc, who was also killed in the crash, had a criminal record that included multiple DUI convictions.

Investigators are examining whether Ico-Choc was under the influence at the time of the collision. Officials have stated there is no indication Connolly-Brunner had consumed alcohol.

According to a source, Ico-Choc entered the United States illegally in July 2021 by swimming across the Rio Grande. He was released into the country by border agents and given a court date in September 2026.

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State Sen. Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security had been aware of Ico-Choc’s immigration status.

“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,” Chesney said.

He noted Ico-Choc’s prior charges for DUI, aggravated DUI, and battery, adding that he had crossed the border during the Biden administration.

Court records show Ico-Choc’s encounters with law enforcement began at least in March 2022, when he was arrested for DUI and driving without a valid license.

He pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor DUI and was placed under two years of court supervision. In February 2023, while still banned from driving, he was arrested again for DUI, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to a short jail term and supervision.

In June 2023, he was arrested for domestic battery and sentenced to six days in jail.

Chesney criticized Illinois’ TRUST Act, which limits cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.

SAY HER NAME: Darcy Connolly-Brunner

Darcy, the mother of ex-WNBA star Sophie Brunner, was kiIIed in Illinois from a head on car collision from Rolando Ico-Choc, an ILLEGAL ALIEN from Guatemala with a history of drunk driving.

Democrats want to keep these people in our country pic.twitter.com/ZBWjwbp9nM

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) August 13, 2025

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Innocent American citizens are being harmed daily by repeat offenders being protected in these sanctuary cities/states as in this case by the likes of people like JB Pritzker Darcy Connolly Bruner the mother of WNBA star Sophie Brunner was killed in an automobile accident caused… pic.twitter.com/HmuN3xZSOG

— (@MAGA_X_Times) August 14, 2025

State Rep. John Cabello (R-Machesney Park) placed direct blame on Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and the state’s Democratic leadership. “I hold JB Pritzker personally responsible. I hold the Democrats personally responsible. This should not have happened. Period,” Cabello said.

Stephenson County Sheriff Steve Stovall, who was friends with Connolly-Brunner, described her as “a kind and giving person” who made people “feel welcome and valued.” Stovall said her death “has left a hole in the hearts of those who knew her.”

Sophie Brunner played for the Phoenix Mercury in 2017 and previously competed in the NCAA for Arizona State University.

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