UPDATE:  Marianne Akers’ attorney, W. Scott Hanken, spoke exclusively with Newschannel 20, describing the crash as a “freak occurrence.” He said Akers suffered a seizure at the time of the incident, which led to the crash. According to Hanken, Akers has no prior history of seizures and is devastated by what happened. He added that she has no recollection of what occurred.

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Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Preliminary toxicology tests came back negative for the driver in Monday’s crash at the YNOT Outdoors after-school camp in Chatham.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly released the information at a Thursday afternoon press conference and said the blood and urine samples provided by 44-year-old Marianne Akers of Chatham were negative for all forms of alcohol and negative for controlled substances including benzodiazepines, amphetamines, cocaine, opiates, cannabinoids and phencyclidine.

Kelly said ISP continues to conduct a “tireless and thorough investigation,” and some evidence has been developed indicating the possibility of a medical emergency leading up to the crash.

Kelly said the investigation is ongoing and includes reconstruction of the incident, drone imaging to analyze the path of the vehicle, the event data recorder from Akers’ Jeep along with interviews with witnesses.

Four children were killed and another six were injured when Akers’ vehicle reportedly left the roadway, crossed a field, and crashed through the after-school camp building.

 

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