The mother of former WNBA player Sophie Brunner has tragically passed away following a head-on collision in Freeport, Illinois, this past weekend.
Darcy Connolly-Brunner, aged 61, was one of two fatalities resulting from the crash on Saturday. Reports reveal that 30-year-old Rolando Ico-Choc from Guatemala was driving a Nissan Altima when he crossed into oncoming traffic, colliding with Connolly-Brunner’s Ford Edge. Tragically, both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene, and no passengers were present in either vehicle.
Sheriff Steve Stovall of Stephenson County disclosed that Ico-Choc had a history of legal issues and is believed to be in the United States without proper documentation. Court records indicated multiple arrests for DUI in 2022 and 2023, alongside other charges, which include domestic battery.
Sophie Brunner, the daughter of Connolly-Brunner, made a name for herself at Arizona State from 2013 to 2017, averaging 13.6 points per game in her senior year. Following her college career, she signed with the Phoenix Mercury as an undrafted free agent and also had a brief stint with the San Antonio Stars, in addition to competing professionally in Italy.
The collision occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, when Ico-Choc’s Nissan, traveling south, veered into the path of Connolly-Brunner’s Ford. Authorities confirmed that both drivers, the only occupants of their vehicles, succumbed to their injuries at the scene. Autopsies for both individuals were scheduled for the following Tuesday.
Sheriff Stovall stated that an investigation is underway to determine if Ico-Choc was impaired during the incident; however, Connolly-Brunner showed no signs of impairment. Toxicology tests are expected to take several weeks for results.
