Ainsley's grandfather Galen Johnson mourned her online with a photo of her in an adorable fancy dress outfit (left). Alma is pictured right with her brother
Ainsley's grandfather Galen Johnson mourned her online with a photo of her in an adorable fancy dress outfit (left). Alma is pictured right with her brother

A day that should have been filled with laughter and learning turned into tragedy at the YNOT After School Camp in Chatham, Illinois, when a vehicle driven by Marianne Akers crashed into the facility, killing four young people and injuring six others.

As authorities investigate the cause of the crash, the Chatham community is united in mourning the bright lives lost too soon.

Read more: Who Is Marianne Akers? Female Driver in Tragic Chatham, Illinois Crash That Killed Four Children

The Victims: Names, Faces, and Stories

The Sangamon County Coroner has officially identified the victims:

Ainsley Johnson, 8, Chatham

Ainsley was known for her vibrant smile and boundless curiosity. A third-grader at Ball Elementary School, she loved animals and dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. Her teachers recall her kindness and eagerness to help her classmates.

Kathryn Corley, 7, Chatham

Kathryn, affectionately called "Katie" by her friends, was a spirited first-grader. She loved art, especially painting, and often gifted her drawings to family and friends. "She had a laugh that could light up a room," her aunt shared.

Alma Buhnerkempe, 7, Chatham

Alma, a second-grader, was passionate about music and learning the piano. Described as gentle and compassionate, she spent much of her free time reading to younger children at the camp. "Alma was a little angel," said one camp volunteer.

Rylee Britton, 18, Springfield

Rylee had recently started mentoring at the YNOT After School Camp while attending college courses part-time. She planned to pursue a career in early childhood education. "She loved kids — this camp was her dream job," said her mother through tears.

All four victims died from multiple blunt force injuries at the scene, according to autopsy results released by the Coroner's office.

Others Injured: Fighting for Recovery

Six other children, ranging from ages 6 to 12, were injured in the crash. As of this morning, one child remains in critical condition at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. Doctors are cautiously optimistic but note the recovery journey will be long and difficult.

How the Crash Unfolded

At approximately 3:26 p.m. on April 28, 2025, a black Jeep driven by Marianne Akers, 44, veered off Iron Bridge Road, crossed a grassy field, and smashed into the east side of the YNOT After School Camp building.

Surveillance footage shows no attempt to brake or steer away. Witnesses describe a chaotic scene with children screaming and camp staff rushing to pull victims to safety.

Akers, uninjured, was transported to a hospital for evaluation. No arrests have been made yet, pending the results of a toxicology report and further investigation.

Authorities emphasize that the crash "does not appear to have been a targeted attack," although they continue to investigate all possibilities.

Who Is Marianne Akers?

School food service worker Marianne Akers was behind the wheel of a car that plowed through an after-school program and killed three young kids and a teen
School food service worker Marianne Akers was behind the wheel of a car that plowed through an after-school program and killed three young kids and a teen

Akers, a mother of two teenagers, previously worked as a food service employee with the Ball-Chatham School District until 2022. She has no known criminal history. As of now, she remains out of custody while police gather evidence to determine if charges, such as vehicular homicide or reckless conduct, are appropriate.

Community Response: Grieving Together

The Chatham community has rallied around the victims' families. Schools have canceled classes for the week. Counselors are providing support for grieving students, parents, and teachers.

A candlelight vigil will be held Friday evening at Chatham Community Park. Residents have left flowers, stuffed animals, and handwritten notes outside the YNOT center, creating a growing memorial.

Governor JB Pritzker issued a statement:

"These were children full of hope, joy, and dreams. Illinois mourns their loss alongside their families."

Seeking Justice and Healing

The crash has reignited conversations about mental health, road safety, and the need for stronger protective barriers at children's facilities. Parents across Chatham are demanding accountability and immediate safety reforms.

While investigations continue, the town of Chatham is determined not to let the memory of Ainsley, Kathryn, Alma, and Rylee fade.

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