The community of Chatham, Illinois, is reeling from an unspeakable tragedy after a devastating car crash took the lives of four young individuals and injured several others at a local after-school program.
The victims have now been identified as Kathryn Corley, 7; Alma Buhnerkempe, 7; Ainsley Johnson, 8; and Rylee Britton, 18. Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon confirmed that all four were pronounced dead at the scene from blunt force injuries.
The heartbreaking incident occurred on the afternoon of April 28 around 3:20 p.m. at the YNOT After School Camp, a program run by the nonprofit YNOT Outdoors. According to Illinois State Police, a vehicle driven by 44-year-old Marianne Akers of Chatham inexplicably plowed through a field before crashing into the east side of the building.
The vehicle barreled through the structure, struck multiple individuals inside, and exited from the opposite side of the building. Authorities emphasized that the crash does not appear to have been a targeted attack, but the investigation remains ongoing. Toxicology results are pending, and Akers was hospitalized for evaluation following the crash but is not currently in custody.
In addition to the four lives tragically lost, six other children were injured and transported to local hospitals. As of April 29, one child remains in critical condition, intensifying the sorrow and urgency surrounding this heartbreaking event.
The YNOT After School Camp, where the crash took place, is part of YNOT Outdoors—a nonprofit established in 2002 to provide children with a safe, fun, and active environment outside of school hours.
YNOT, an acronym for “Youth Need Other Things,” has been a vital part of the Chatham community, offering programs like fishing, hiking, field sports, and other enriching outdoor activities. Staff members are typically vetted high school seniors or college students, selected carefully through interviews and background checks.
The building struck during the incident is one of several locations used by YNOT Outdoors to host after-school and summer programs. Other affiliated sites include the Pawnee Assembly of God Church and Sugar Creek United Methodist Church.
For many families in the area, YNOT is more than just a camp—it’s a cornerstone of their children’s growth, learning, and social development. In the wake of this tragedy, the community has come together in grief and support.
Vigils and memorials are being planned to honor the lives of the young victims. Kathryn, Alma, and Ainsley were elementary-aged children who brought light and joy to those around them. Rylee Britton, 18, was likely a counselor or junior staff member, known to many for their leadership, kindness, and mentorship to the younger campers.
Parents, teachers, and local officials have voiced their devastation over the loss. “This is a nightmare that no family, no community should ever have to face,” said one local school administrator. “Our hearts are broken, and we will rally together to support these families in every way we can.”
Authorities continue to investigate how and why this crash occurred, as questions remain about what led the driver to lose control and cause such destruction. In the meantime, grief counselors have been made available to families, students, and staff affected by the tragedy.
As Chatham mourns this unthinkable loss, the memories of Kathryn, Alma, Ainsley, and Rylee will live on in the hearts of a community forever changed. Their lives, though tragically cut short, will be remembered for the joy, energy, and love they brought into the world.
