'Senseless Loss Of Life': Prison Ordered In DUI That Killed Man, 21

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — A 33-year-old Lakemoor man has been sentenced to eight years in prison for driving while under the influence of cocaine and alcohol and causing a crash in October 2023 that killed a 21-year-old man.

Max McNamara pleaded guilty to aggravated driving while under the influence and was sentenced during a hearing on Feb. 27, according to a news release from the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office.

McNamara was driving east on Route 173 in unincorporated Harvard at about 2 a.m. on Oct. 1 when he drove into the westbound lane of traffic and a hit two oncoming vehicles. The driver of one of the vehicles, a 21-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene, prosecutors said.

McNamara had both alcohol and cocaine in his system at the time of the collision, according to authorities. His blood alcohol content registered at more than two times the legal limit.

McHenry County State’s Attorney Randi Freese said the crash, along with other crashes caused by those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, continue to destroy the lives of so many families.

“DUIs are not victimless crimes," Freese said. "This was a senseless loss of life and the family of this young man is forever changed by this tragic event.”