Darcy Connolly-Brunner, 61, the mother of former WNBA player Sophie Brunner, was killed in a head-on car collision Saturday in Freeport, Illinois. The crash occurred when the other driver, Rolando Ico‑Choc —a Guatemalan national living in the U.S. illegally — crossed into her lane. Both drivers died at the scene.
Law enforcement is investigating whether Ico‑Choc was impaired at the time. He had a history of DUI convictions and a domestic battery charge; Connolly-Brunner was confirmed to have not been intoxicated.
Connolly-Brunner was a veteran social worker and married mother of four.
Illinois State Senator Andrew Chesney sharply criticized state sanctuary policies and immigration enforcement, stating that Ico‑Choc had no right to be in the close-knit community.
“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 (R-Freeport) railed in an incendiary statement.
“Additionally, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed he was in this country illegally,” the Freeport Republican said, “having crossed the border a few years ago during the Biden administration. Yet, because of Illinois’ TRUST Act and SAFE-T Act, he was allowed to remain here — free to get back behind the wheel of a car and kill an innocent woman. It’s unacceptable, and I’m sickened by it.”
Sophie Brunner played for the Phoenix Mercury in 2017 and previously starred at Arizona State University. Her mother will be remembered as a devoted, community-minded parent of four.
Key Points at a Glance
- Victim: Darcy Connolly-Brunner, mother of ex-WNBA player Sophie Brunner.
- Cause: Head-on collision caused by DUI suspect Rolando Ico-Choc, an illegal immigrant.
- Significance: Crash reignites debate over sanctuary policies and immigration enforcement in Illinois.