4 students killed when car crashed into after-school program building in Illinois; community rallies around victims’ families

CHATHAM, Ill. (First Alert 4) - Four people have died after a car crashed into an after-school program building in Chatham, Illinois.

According to the Chatham Police Department, the incident happened at the YNOT after-school daycare at 301 Breckenridge Road around 3:20 p.m. on Monday.

Police said the vehicle hit multiple people outside of the building before going through the building and exiting on the other side.

Three people hit outside of the building, and one person hit inside of the building have died. Several people were taken to the hospital with injuries, including one person who was airlifted from the scene.

The victims were identified as 18-year-old Rylee Britton, Ainsley Johnson, 8, and Kathryn Corley and Alma Buhnerkempe, both 7.

The driver of the vehicle was taken to the hospital for evaluation after the incident. They have since been identified as 44-year-old Marianne Akers of Chatham. A toxicology report is currently pending. Akers is not currently in custody as police continue investigating the crash’s cause.

Several churches held special prayer services for grieving families on Tuesday. At the St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, Father Joe Molloy kept the sanctuary open for families to stop and pray throughout the day. Molloy said that one of the injured children was part of the parish.

“Something like this really stops you in your tracks and gets you to see that life can be fleeting, no matter the age,” Molloy said.

An online fundraiser started by the Glenwood Student Council has generated more than $130,000 in donations as of Tuesday evening. Students also tied “Chatham Strong” ribbons and signs around trees and light poles throughout the town.

At the Scoop Du Jour ice cream shop, Fran Abbot and her business partner, Shannon McAuley found a different way to help families.

They opened the parlor to students who wanted to be with one another and offered free ice cream and pizza. With schools closed for the day, the business was full. School counselors also came to the store to talk to families.  Abbot said that she knew most of the families impacted by the tragedy.

“We’ve seen these kids grow. It affects us a lot. The most important thing you can do is help your community,” she said.

Gov. JB Pritzker also released the following statement:

“I am horrified and deeply saddened by the deaths of children and numerous injuries in Chatham this afternoon. Our community lost a group of bright and innocent young people with their whole lives ahead of them. 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. MK and I extend our prayers and deepest condolences to everyone impacted by this unspeakable tragedy.

“llinois State Police has begun working with the Chatham Police Department to investigate the incident and will provide the public with more information when it becomes available. My office is closely monitoring the situation and is ready to in any way that we can. We are grateful for all the first responders assisting our community during this difficult time.”

Chatham is located about 95 miles from the City of St. Louis, near Springfield, Illinois.

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