Chatham Crash Investigation Reveals Possible Medical Emergency, Four Dead

Illinois State Police are investigating a fatal crash at the YNOT After School Camp in Chatham, Illinois, where a vehicle driven by 44-year-old Marianne Akers killed four people—three young girls and an 18-year-old counselor—and injured six others. Early evidence, including negative toxicology results for alcohol and controlled substances, suggests the crash may have been caused by a medical emergency suffered by the driver before she left the road, drove through a field, and crashed through the camp building. The driver was uninjured, taken to the hospital for evaluation, and released; she has not been charged as the investigation continues. Authorities have emphasized that the incident does not appear to be a targeted attack, and all evidence will be reviewed by the Sangamon County State’s Attorney once the investigation is complete. The victims were identified as Ainsley Johnson, Kathryn Corley, Alma Buhnerkempe, and Rylee Britton. The community and state officials have expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, and flags have been ordered to half-staff in honor of the victims.