Darcy Connolly-Brunner, 61, the mother of former Phoenix Mercury and Arizona State University basketball standout Sophie Brunner, tragically died in a head-on collision in Illinois on Saturday, August 9. The news was first reported by TMZ, with authorities later confirming the details of the accident.
According to a statement released by the Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) on social media, deputies responded to the crash at approximately 12:38 p.m. The fatal collision occurred on Illinois Route 26 North, near Oneco Road, in Orangeville.
Preliminary reports indicate that a Nissan Altima, driven by 30-year-old Rolando Ico-Choc, was traveling southbound on Illinois Route 26 North when it allegedly crossed into the northbound lane, striking Connolly-Brunner’s vehicle head-on. Ico-Choc survived the crash, while Connolly-Brunner was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities confirmed that as part of their investigation, deputies are examining whether alcohol impairment by Ico-Choc may have contributed to the accident. “There is no indication that Ms. Connolly-Brunner was impaired,” the SCSO noted in the press release. Toxicology testing will be conducted as part of the autopsy, with results expected to take several weeks.
Multiple local emergency response units assisted at the scene, including the Orangeville Fire Department, Winslow Fire Department, Cedarville Fire Protection District, Leamon’s Ambulance Service, the Stephenson County Coroner’s Office, and the Illinois State Police Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit.
Darcy Connolly-Brunner is survived by her daughter Sophie Brunner, a former basketball star from Freeport, Illinois. Brunner led the Aquin High School women’s basketball team to several state titles during her junior and senior years, according to TMZ. She went on to play as a forward for Arizona State University, where she earned First Team All-PAC-12 honors three times from 2015 to 2017 and helped lead the Sun Devils to the NCAA Tournament each season.
Following her college career, Brunner signed with the Phoenix Mercury in 2017 as a free agent before being traded to the San Antonio Stars later that season. She also played professionally in Italy and later transitioned into coaching, mentoring students at Rockford Christian Schools.
The community has expressed an outpouring of grief following the accident. Friends, family, and former teammates have shared condolences on social media, highlighting Connolly-Brunner’s role as a devoted mother and supporter of her daughter’s athletic career.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.