Four female pupils involved in a tragic car accident following school hours in Illinois have been positively identified
Revamped Article:
In an unexpected and heart-wrenching incident, four young souls were tragically taken away in a crash at the YNOT After School Camp in Chatham, Illinois on April 28, 2025. This catastrophic event left six individuals injured, with one child still critically struggling as of April 29[1][2][3]. Let's delve into the gruesome details of this unforeseen tragedy.
The vehicle involved in the crash was driven by Marianne Akers, a 44-year-old resident of Chatham. This black Jeep swerved off the road, raced through a farm field, and smashed into the east wall of the camp building before exiting the west side[1][4]. Akers, a former Illinois State Police employee (2006–2018), is not believed to have targeted anyone in this incident[2][4]. The authorities are still piecing together why the vehicle veered off the road, but no further details have been made public as of April 29[2][4].
The victims of this horrific crash were identified by the Sangamon County Coroner as follows:
- Alma Buhnerkempe, 7: Alma's devastated mother described her as a "ray of sunshine" who enjoyed playing sports and traveling to 17 states[1].
- Kathryn Corley, 7, and Ainsley Johnson, 8: Both young ladies hailed from Chatham[2][4].
- Rylee Britton, 18: Rylee served as a counselor from Springfield[2][4].All four victims suffered fatal injuries from multiple blunt forces[1][4].
Alma’s distraught mother emphasized her close bond with her autistic brother, Will[1]. The local community mobilized in response to the crash, with parents rushing to the scene and law enforcement agencies securing the area[3]. The YNOT facility, which serves as an after-school program for students awaiting pickup, sustained significant damage in the incident[1][3].
The town of Chatham is reeling from the double tragedy of this fatal crash, and investigations are ongoing[1][2][4]. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have been affected by this senseless loss. And to the grieving families, we urge you to find solace in the memories of the vibrant lives that were taken too soon.
- Jamie, a local journalist covering general news, reported that the unfortunate traffic accident on Monday at the YNOT After School Camp in Chatham involved a 44-year-old woman named Marianne Akers, who was formerly an Illinois State Police employee.
- In the tragic car-accidents section of the crime-and-justice segment on the local news, it was revealed that the victims included Alma Buhnerkempe, a 7-year-old girl known for her joyful spirit, Kathryn Corley and Ainsley Johnson, both 7-year-old residents of Chatham, and Rylee Britton, an 18-year-old counselor from Springfield.
- Toxicology reports were pending for Marianne Akers, as the authorities continued their investigations into why she swerved off the road and caused the fatal crash at the YNOT camp.
- Silly balloons and teddy bears adorned the cleanup site of the YNOT facility, symbolizing the vibrant lives of the four victims lost in the accident, as the community grieved together and offered support to their families.
