The driver and victims in a crash that killed three children and one teenager at an after-school program in downstate Chatham, Illinois, has 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.
Three girls – two 7-year-olds, an 8-year-old – and an 18-year-old woman 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 all were 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.”
State police said they do not believe the crash was a targeted attack.
There is 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 Tuesday to remember the victims, and there is also a vigil planned at night.
Gov. JB Pritzker said 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 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 morning, 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.
