Prosecutors in Illinois have charged a man with reckless homicide after a woman was decapitated when the speedboat he was allegedly piloting at up to 80mph crashed on the Fox River. The defendant, described by authorities as a habitual drunk driver, is said to have been intoxicated at the time of the collision, raising fresh concerns about repeat offenders being allowed back behind the wheel or helm despite prior convictions.

The crash resulted in fatal injuries to a female passenger, whose death has been attributed directly to the high-speed impact. Prosecutors allege the driver's history of alcohol-related offences should have prevented him from operating the vessel, and the case is expected to proceed through the Illinois courts, with further details likely to emerge as the prosecution builds its case.