CHATHAM, Ill. (WAND) — The names of the four girls killed in a crash that took place at the YNOT After School Camp Monday have been released.
Illinois State Police said a car was driven through the after school camp, killing four children and injuring six others.
On Tuesday morning, the coroner released the names of the victims. All died from multiple blunt force injuries.
- Ainsley Johnson, age 8, of Chatham
- Rylee Britton, age 18, of Springfield
- Kathryn Corley, age 7, of Chatham
- Alma Buhnerkempe, age 7, of Chatham
ISP identified the driver of the vehicle involved in the crash as 44-year-old Marianne Akers of Chatham. Akers is not in custody at this time as the cause of the crash remains under investigation. She was not injured in the crash.
WAND News learned Akers previously worked with the Ball-Chatham School District. She last worked at the district in 2022 as a food service employee.
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Six other children were injured. One remains hospitalized in critical condition. That victim was taken by helicopter from the scene.
ISP said three of the victims who were killed were struck outside of a building before the vehicle went into the building and hit another person, according to police. The vehicle then exited the building.
ISP said this does not appear to be a targeted attack.
The Chatham Baptist Church was used a reunification point for families with kids at YNOT.
Ball-Chatham School District Spokesperson Danny Frey said school will continue with e-learning days until Friday. Frey said students will not be provided any assignments and the focus will be on providing social and emotional support.
“Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with the affected families,” Frey said in a statement to WAND News.
A list of events and ways to help has been provided. It includes vigils, meal trains, information on blood donations, and more.
The Glenwood Student Council has started a Go Fund Me to support the victims’ families. As of Tuesday afternoon, over $100,000 had been raised.
On Tuesday, Chatham Village President Dave Kimsey ordered all flags to be flown at half-staff through May 6.
YNOT Outdoors (Youth Needing Other Things) was founded in 2002, according to the organization’s website. The non-profit allows parents to let children attend after school and summer programs. It was founded by Springfield natives Jamie and Mitzi Loftus.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said his office is monitoring the investigation and prepared to help.
“I am horrified and deeply saddened by the deaths of children and numerous injuries in Chatham this afternoon,” Pritzker said. “Our community lost a group of bright and innocent young people with their whole lives ahead of them.”
Pritzker and his wife, Mary Kathryn, extended their prayers and condolences.
Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton said her heart aches for the entire Chatham community.
“As a mom, I know when you drop your children off in the morning, you hug them tight, give them a kiss, and hope for nothing more than picking them up, safe and sound, at the end of the day,” stated Stratton. “I can’t imagine the pain these families are going through. Bryan and I will remember them in our prayers, that they would have strength for the journey ahead. I’m also thinking of the brave first responders on the scene and the good work of the Illinois State Police as they investigate this tragedy.
State Senator Doris Turner represents part of the Chatham area. She also stated her office is willing to step in and help.
“When we drop our kids off in the morning, we should always have the utmost belief that they will come home safely at the end of the day,” Turner said. “For some families, that belief was shaken today following the tragedy at Y.N.O.T. in Chatham. I am heartbroken — there truly are no words to explain what the Chatham community is feeling and will feel for days, weeks and months to come.”
State Representative Mike Coffey’s district encompasses most of Chatham.
“My heart hurts for the tragic loss of life in Chatham today,” Coffey said on social media. “Please join me in praying for the families and the entire community as they grieve.”
Chatham Village President Dave Kimsey posted a statement on social media stating, “The days and weeks ahead will be challenging as we come to terms with the loss and struggle with the impact. Our community has proven time and again that we come together in difficult moments. All that strength is being called upon again.”
This is a developing story.
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