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Chatham, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) — Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon has released the names of the four girls killed in Monday’s tragic crash at the YNOT after-school program in Chatham. The victims have been identified as Ainsley Johnson, 8, of Chatham; Rylee Britton, 18, of Springfield; Kathryn Corley, 7, of Chatham; and Alma Buhnerkempe, 7, of Chatham.
The crash occurred when a vehicle drove off of East Walnut Street and into the east side of the YNOT center at 301 Breckenridge Rd., striking multiple people outside before continuing through the building and exiting out the west side. Chatham police reported three of the girls who died were struck outside, and one inside the building. All four were pronounced dead at the scene. Six additional children were injured in the crash, including one child in critical condition, according to the Illinois State Police.
ISP identified the driver as Marianne Akers, 44, of Chatham. She was taken to a hospital for evaluation but was not injured and is not currently in custody. Authorities have stated the crash does not appear to be a targeted attack, and the investigation is ongoing by the ISP. Toxicology testing is pending.
Jamie Loftus, founder of YNOT Outdoors, shared details on social media about what security cameras captured. According to Loftus, the vehicle initially left Walnut Street—a considerable distance from YNOT—and crossed a 78-acre farm field. Footage showed the vehicle arcing into a path aimed directly at the YNOT building at a high rate of speed. Loftus said there was no apparent attempt by the driver to change direction before crossing North Breckenridge and the sidewalk before entering the parking lot, crashing into the building, and exiting through the west side. Aker’s vehicle then reportedly crossed the gravel road access to the Chatham Water Tower and lodged itself against a power-pole and ballfield fence.
“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,” said Loftus. “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.”
Akers worked for the Illinois State Police from June 2006 to August 2018, according to Capitol News Illinois.
She also worked for the Ball-Chatham School District, most recently as a food service employee in 2022, WAND News reports.
A spokesperson for the Illinois Department of Transportation told CNI that Akers now works in the agency’s Bureau of Business Services. She has been with IDOT since November 2023.
Governor JB Pritzker expressed his sorrow in a public statement on Monday: “Parents said goodbye to their kids this morning not knowing it would be the last time. My heart is heavy for these families and the unimaginable grief they’re experiencing – something that no parent should ever have to endure.”
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