An ordinary afternoon turned into a nightmare for families in Chatham when a car drove through the YNOT After School Camp on Monday, killing four children and injuring six others — one critically.
On Tuesday, authorities released the names of the victims who lost their lives in the devastating crash:
- Ainsley Johnson, 8, of Chatham
- Rylee Britton, 18, of Springfield
- Kathryn Corley, 7, of Chatham
- Alma Buhnerkempe, 7, of Chatham
All four were killed by multiple blunt force injuries, according to the Sangamon County Coroner’s Office. Three of the children were hit outside the building before the vehicle entered and struck a fourth inside, according to Illinois State Police (ISP).
The crash occurred at YNOT Outdoors (Youth Needing Other Things), a nonprofit organization founded in 2002 by Jamie and Mitzi Loftus to provide after-school and summer programs for local youth. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and heartbreak as emergency responders rushed to the site, and families were directed to Chatham Baptist Church for reunification.
Driver Identified, Investigation Ongoing
ISP identified the driver as Marianne Akers, 44, of Chatham. She was not injured in the crash and is not in custody. Authorities say the incident does not appear to be a targeted attack, and the cause remains under investigation.
Akers previously worked for the Ball-Chatham School District as a food service employee, most recently in 2022. Her connection to the camp or the children, if any, has not been publicly disclosed.
A Community in Mourning
Grief has swept through the Chatham area as the community grapples with the loss of four young lives. Flags have been ordered to fly at half-staff through May 6 by Chatham Village President Dave Kimsey, who released a heartfelt statement on social media:
“Our community has proven time and again that we come together in difficult moments. All that strength is being called upon again.”
On Tuesday, Governor JB Pritzker addressed the tragedy, saying:
“I am horrified and deeply saddened by the deaths of children and numerous injuries in Chatham. Our community lost a group of bright and innocent young people with their whole lives ahead of them.”
He added that his office is monitoring the investigation and ready to assist in any way.
Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton echoed his sentiments, adding:
“As a mom, I know the feeling of dropping off your children and hoping to pick them up safe. I can’t imagine the pain these families are experiencing.”
Schools Shift Focus to Support
The Ball-Chatham School District has transitioned to e-learning through Friday, with no new assignments being given. The district has emphasized that the priority this week is on social and emotional support for students, staff, and families.
Danny Frey, spokesperson for the district, expressed condolences:
“Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with the affected families. We are committed to supporting our students in every way possible.”
Vigils, Donations, and Acts of Solidarity
Support for the victims’ families has poured in from every corner of the community. A GoFundMe organized by the Glenwood Student Council raised over $100,000 within a day. Meal trains, blood drives, and candlelight vigils are being organized across Chatham and Springfield to honor the lives lost.
Local churches have opened their doors for grief counseling, while neighbors have left flowers and toys outside the YNOT building.
Officials Speak Out
State Senator Doris Turner, who represents the area, stated:
“There truly are no words to explain what the Chatham community is feeling and will feel for weeks and months to come. I am heartbroken.”
Representative Mike Coffey added:
“Please join me in praying for the families and the entire community as they grieve this unthinkable loss.”
Looking Forward, Together
As families mourn the loss of young lives cut far too short, Chatham is once again showing its strength — not through slogans, but through solidarity. From emergency responders to teachers and neighbors, a community is rallying to carry one another through the darkness.
As Village President Kimsey said:
“The days and weeks ahead will be challenging as we come to terms with the loss. But Chatham is a town that comes together when it matters most — and now, it matters more than ever.”
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more details become available.