The driver and victims in a crash that killed three children and one teenager at an after-school program in downstate Chatham, Illinois, have been identified, Illinois State Police said.
State police were called to YNOT Outdoors Summer and After School camp at about 3:20 p.m. Monday when a car crashed into the east side of the building.
The car struck several people outside the building before plowing through it, hitting many inside. It eventually broke through the opposite side of the building and came to a stop.
Tuesday morning, state police identified the driver as 44-year-old Marianne Akers of Chatham, Illinois. State police said she is not currently in custody as their investigation into the crash continues. Akers is a former employee of the Illinois State Police and of the local high school.
Four students were killed. The Sangamon County coroner identified them as Ainsley Johnson, 8, of Chatham; Rylee Britton, 18, of Springfield; Kathryn Corley, 7, of Chatham; and Alma Buhnerkempe, 7, of Chatham.
The coroner said all four were pronounced dead at the scene. An initial death investigation found they all died from injuries sustained in the crash, the coroner said.
Six additional children were injured. Most were taken to local hospitals by ambulance but one had to be taken by a life flight helicopter. One victim remained in critical condition Tuesday morning.
The children who died were all students at the Ball-Chatham School District. The district said classes would be held remotely through Thursday, and return to in-person learning on Friday. All athletic contests and extracurricular activities have been cancelled through Thursday.
The school district said extra counselors, social workers, therapy dogs, and other support personnel would be available for students on Friday.
“Our community is heartbroken by the tragic event that claimed the lives of our beloved students yesterday,” Superintendent Dr. Becca Lamon said in a statement on the district’s Facebook page. “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 it is important that we 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.”
Akers was the only person in the car at the time of the crash, and was taken to the hospital for evaluation. Tire tracks were still visible on Tuesday along the farm field where her Jeep tore through before hitting the building.
“We don’t know why it happened or how it happened yet,” said Chatham, Illinois, resident Tom Frankie. “Everybody is searching for answers.”
State police said they do not believe the crash was a targeted attack. One thing that stood out was the vehicle traveled more than 100 yards through a farm field, jumped a road, and slammed into the building, slamming through it, and not stopping until it hit a utility pole. There was no visible indication of the driver hitting the brakes before the crash, something investigators will be looking into.
Residents in the tight-knit Chatham community said they’re reeling after what they saw.
“It’s, trying not to get choked up, but it’s a terrible situation,” Taylor Godwin said.
Godwin lives near the after-school camp. He said he rushed to help when he saw a child on the ground.
“It’s devastating to think that multiple lives that we had dozens and dozens of years ahead are just gone,” he said.
Residents gather to remember crash victims
Meantime, there was a growing memorial at the site of the crash in memory of the victims. Residents of the tight-knit town gathered at a local ice cream parlor on Tuesday to remember the victims, and a vigil was held Tuesday night.
As the crowds swelled one day after the unimaginable loss, neighbors comforted each other at the vigil.
“Be with your friends. Be with your family. Be with our community,” said Chatham Village President Dave Kimsey.
The mourners gathered around a row of four small heart-shaped memorials, each carrying the name of one of the girls killed.
Mark Lewis coached Rylee Britton, the oldest victim.
“I mean she was just, she was just an amazing kid,” Lewis said, “and obviously taken, you know, taken too soon from us.”
The crowd came with their hearts on their sleeve and tears in their eyes. Some were left speechless, while others clung to the candles in their small hands — because in this dark hour, they looked for the light.
“That light is more than a flicker,” a woman said at the vigil. “It’s the meals brought to the hurting families. It’s the prayers whispered and shouted, and it’s the neighbors showing up without needing to be asked.”
Gov. JB Pritzker said Monday that he was “horrified and deeply saddened” by the deadly incident. “Our community lost a group of bright and innocent young people with their whole lives ahead of them,” Pritzker wrote in a post on X. “My heart is heavy for these families and the unimaginable grief they are experiencing — something that no parent should ever have to endure.”
Pritzker ordered all U.S. and Illinois flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of the victims through Saturday.
Chatham is about 12 miles south of Springfield in Sangamon County. It is not to be confused with the South Side Chicago neighborhood of Chatham.
Illinois State Police did not release any further details Tuesday, or say whether any charges against Akers were pending. State police said she was not injured and was taken to a local hospital for evaluation. Toxicology reports are pending, state police said Tuesday morning.
“Nothing like this ever happens in our little community,” said Jay Jessen. “I just hope we can come out of this as stronger community, because we’re very tight-knit. If you’re out there, say a prayer for Chatham.”
Another vigil is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Chatham, Illinois, this one organized by students.
