A tragic incident occurred on Monday, April 28, 2025, in Chatham, Illinois, where a crash killed four people, including three young children and one teenager. The incident happened at YNOT Outdoors Summer and After-School Camp, located in the heart of the Chatham community.
The driver of the vehicle and the victims have been identified, according to Illinois State Police. Still, the investigation continues as authorities work to understand what led to this devastating event.
At around 3:20 p.m., police were called to the camp when a car crashed into the east side of the building, located just outside of town. The vehicle struck multiple people who were outside, then barreled through the building, ultimately breaking through the other side. The car came to a stop only after hitting a utility pole. The scene was one of chaos, with many injured and several young lives tragically lost.
On Tuesday morning, the driver was identified as 44-year-old Marianne Akers, a resident of Chatham. Akers was a former employee of the Illinois State Police and also had ties to the local high school, where she had previously worked.
Illinois State Police said that she was not in custody and that they were still investigating the incident. While Akers was the only person in the car, she was taken to a local hospital for an evaluation, though she did not suffer any significant injuries.
As for the victims, the Sangamon County Coroner’s Office confirmed that four children were killed in the crash. They were identified as Ainsley Johnson, 8, from Chatham; Rylee Britton, 18, from Springfield; Kathryn Corley, 7, from Chatham; and Alma Buhnerkempe, 7, also from Chatham. The coroner stated that all four were pronounced dead at the scene, succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.
The crash left a significant number of children injured as well. Six other children were taken to local hospitals, with one victim airlifted by helicopter to a nearby trauma centre. On Tuesday, one of the children remained in critical condition, with the others in stable but serious condition. Local hospitals were prepared to handle the emergency, and medical teams were on hand to ensure the injured children received the best possible care.
The children who died were all students at Ball-Chatham School District. In response to the tragedy, the school district announced that classes would be held remotely through Thursday, with plans to return to in-person learning on Friday.
Additionally, all athletic events and extracurricular activities were cancelled for the week. The district’s statement expressed the grief and devastation that the school community was feeling, saying that the loss was incomprehensible and deeply painful.
To support students, families, and staff, the school district arranged for extra counsellors, social workers, and therapy dogs to be available starting Friday. “Our community is heartbroken by the tragic event that claimed the lives of our beloved students yesterday,” said Superintendent Dr. Becca Lamon in a statement. “There are no words that can truly express the depth of our sorrow. As we mourn this unimaginable loss, we recognize the pain and grief that many are experiencing.
We are all hurting. We understand that yesterday’s tragedy was difficult to comprehend and process. In times like these, we must lean on one another for strength and support. Together, we will continue to care for our students, families, and staff who have been personally affected.”
Chatham residents, known for their tight-knit community, were left in shock by the horrific crash. Local residents, such as Tom Frankie, expressed the confusion and sorrow that was gripping the town. “We don’t know why it happened or how it happened yet,” Frankie said. “Everybody is searching for answers.”
One notable aspect of the crash was that the vehicle travelled more than 100 yards across a farm field before hitting the building. It seemed to jump over a road before crashing through the building. Investigators are currently looking into whether the driver applied the brakes before the crash.
Early reports indicate that there was no visible sign of the car slowing down, which has raised more questions about how and why the collision occurred. State police have emphasised that they do not believe the crash was intentional or a targeted attack, but they are continuing to investigate all aspects of the situation.
Akers was the only person in the car at the time of the crash. It is unclear at this point whether any charges will be filed, but investigators are continuing to review the details of the crash. Authorities are awaiting toxicology reports, which could offer more clarity as to whether substances played a role in the crash. Meanwhile, tire tracks from the Jeep Akers were still visible in the farm field, marking the path the vehicle took before it reached the building.
The residents of Chatham have found solace in each other’s presence during this difficult time. Local businesses, like an ice cream parlour near the crash site, have become gathering spots where community members come together to share their grief and memories of the victims.
A vigil was held Tuesday night, where mourners gathered to honour the lives of the children who were lost. The crowd of family, friends, and neighbours offered support to one another, holding candles and comforting each other as they remembered the victims.
“I mean she was just, she was just an amazing kid,” Mark Lewis, who had coached Rylee Britton, said of the oldest victim, Rylee. “She was taken too soon, from us.”
Chatham Village President Dave Kimsey spoke at the vigil, offering words of comfort to the grieving community. “Be with your friends. Be with your family. Be with our community,” he said. “Together, we will get through this.”
Gov. JB Pritzker also expressed his sadness over the crash. In a statement posted on social media, he said, “Our community lost a group of bright and innocent young people with their whole lives ahead of them. My heart is heavy for these families and the unimaginable grief they are experiencing. No parent should ever have to endure this kind of pain.”
In honour of the victims, Pritzker ordered that all U.S. and Illinois flags be flown at half-staff through Saturday, a gesture to show respect for the lives lost in this tragedy.
As the investigation continues and the community processes the unimaginable loss, Chatham residents remain determined to support one another and heal together. “Nothing like this ever happens in our little community,” said Jay Jessen, a resident. “I just hope we can come out of this as a stronger community, because we’re very tight-knit.”
A second vigil is planned for 7:30 p.m. in Chatham, Illinois, organised by students, to honour the lives further lost and show support for the grieving families and community.
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