A devastating accident rocked a small Illinois community on April 28, 2025. A driver reportedly crashed into a building during an after-school program in Chatham. Tragically, four people died, and several others suffered serious injuries. Illinois State Police identified the driver as 44-year-old Marianne Akers of Chatham. Police are trying to determine what caused the horrific car crash.
According to a statement from the Illinois State Police, the accident happened at 3:20 p.m. with multiple children present. Police explained that Akers allegedly drove off the road, but it’s unclear why. She reportedly drove into the YNOT After School Camp at 301 Breckenridge Road in Chatham.
“The car traveled through the building striking numerous individuals before exiting through the other side. Four individuals were killed in the crash, two 7-year-olds, an 8-year-old, and an 18-year-old. Six additional children were taken to area hospitals and one remains in critical condition,” police noted in the statement. Akers was not injured.
The Sangamon County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as Rylee Britton, 18, Alma Buhnerkempe, 7 Kathryn Corley, 7, and Ainsley Johnson, 8. Preliminary reports said the victims all died from multiple blunt force injuries received in the accident. Their deaths remain under investigation, state police shared.
Illinois State Police reported that emergency responders took Akers to a hospital for evaluation. “Toxicology reports are pending. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but this does not appear to be a targeted attack,” police noted.
The Ball-Chatham School District confirmed Akers worked for the district in food service until 2022, according to KSDK. The district declined to share details of her employment.
Taylor Godwin lives next door to YNOT and called 911 as soon as the accident occurred. “I started moving towards the vehicle as quickly as possible,” Godwin told KSDK. “Unfortunately, I saw the body of a child, and at that point was when the first responders started showing up almost immediately.”
Chatham is a tight-knit community about 12 miles south of Springfield. As news of the tragedy spread, residents began to band together. Social media quickly filled with images of a red ribbon and Chatham Strong. Neighbors shared their love with the community.
“In the wake of the recent tragedy in Chatham, our SIU Center for Family Medicine nurses and staff came together to show unity and care for our neighbors. By wearing red, we stood in solidarity with those impacted, honoring the lives lost and lifting up the community during this heartbreaking time,” SIU Center For Family Medicine-Springfield posted on Facebook.
“We extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by the recent tragedy that has taken place in the Chatham community,” Roberts Automotive in Springfield shared in a Facebook post.
YNOT Outdoors Summer Camp & After School Founder Jamie Loftus felt the love of the community and thanked area residents for their prayers and love.
“I cannot gather the words to express much of anything that will make sense in print. However, I do know that our families who suffered loss and injury today, are hurting very, very badly. They are friends and their kids are like our kids,” Loftus wrote on Facebook. “The Village of Chatham and Ball Chatham Schools are going to need their populations and that of the outside world to love them, pray for them, think of them and, at the same time, give them space and respect.”
The Glenwood Student Council created a GoFundMe page for the victims’ families. It’s raised $156,000 thus far.
“All donations will go towards families affected for funeral services, medical bills, and other expenses as needed. Glenwood High School’s Student Council thanks you for your help in supporting the families of these victims while they go through this unimaginable heartbreaking time,” a post on the fundraiser reads.
According to police, Akers is not in custody as the investigation into the cause of the crash continues.
