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Chatham, Illinois, is grappling with an unthinkable tragedy after an SUV crashed into an after-school camp, claiming the lives of four young girls. The incident occurred Monday afternoon at the YNOT After School Camp, leaving the community devastated.
The Sangamon County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as 7-year-old Alma Buhnerkempe, 7-year-old Kathryn Corley, 8-year-old Ainsley Johnson, and 18-year-old Rylee Britton. All four died from multiple blunt force injuries. Six other children were injured and transported to area hospitals, with one child reported to be in critical condition.
Alma’s mother, Billie Buhnerkempe, shared a heartbreaking tribute, describing her daughter as a “ray of sunshine” who loved her family, friends, and various sports and activities.
According to camp founder Jamie Loftus, the SUV traversed a field before striking the east wall of the building, exiting on the west side, and finally coming to rest against a power pole and baseball field fence.
The driver, 44-year-old Chatham resident Marianne Akers, was uninjured and is not currently in custody. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, but preliminary findings indicate it was not a targeted act.
Loftus expressed the profound grief felt by the affected families and emphasized the need for community support during this difficult time. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker also offered condolences, acknowledging the heavy hearts of parents who unknowingly said their final goodbyes to their children that morning. He stated that the state mourns the loss of these young lives.