Chatham, Illinois — A tragic incident occurred on April 28 when a vehicle crashed into an after-school program facility, claiming the lives of four individuals, including three children. The mishap took place at approximately 3:20 p.m. outside YNOT Outdoors, located at 301 N. Breckenridge Road, sending shockwaves through the local community.
According to state police, the victims included two 7-year-olds, an 8-year-old, and an 18-year-old. Authorities reported that six additional children were hospitalized, with one reported to be in critical condition. The deceased were identified as Ainsley Johnson, 8; and 7-year-olds Kathryn Corley and Alma Buhnerkempe, all from Chatham, alongside Rylee Britton, 18, from Springfield. Coroners determined the cause of death for all four victims was multiple blunt force injuries sustained during the crash.
Witnesses and officials detailed a harrowing sequence of events. The driver, identified as 44-year-old Marianne Akers, allegedly struck multiple people outside the building before driving through its west wall. Chatham Police Deputy Chief Scott Tarter noted that three fatalities occurred outside, with one victim found inside the facility. Thankfully, several others were transported to local hospitals, including one person flown by helicopter for urgent care.
Despite the severity of the situation, Akers reportedly suffered no physical injuries but was taken to a hospital for evaluation following the incident. Local law enforcement confirmed that as of Tuesday morning, Akers had not yet been taken into custody.
YNOT Outdoors provides after-school care for children from several local school districts, emphasizing the importance of community support during challenging times. State Senator Doris Turner expressed her heartbreak over the incident, acknowledging the deep emotional impact it would have on Chatham for the foreseeable future. “There truly are no words to explain what the Chatham community is feeling,” she stated, offering assistance to affected families.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker also shared his condolences and pledged support. In a statement released on social media, he expressed horror and sadness over the loss of young lives, emphasizing the profound tragedy this incident has brought to the community.
In response to the tragic event, Chatham Baptist Church has been designated as a reunification point for families seeking information about their loved ones. Meanwhile, traffic on Walnut Street between Park Street and Gordon Drive remains closed as investigators work to gather details surrounding the incident.
The community is now faced with the task of coping with the emotional fallout from this horrific event as they seek to heal and support one another during this difficult time.