Officials identify 3 girls, teen killed in after-school camp crash in Chatham, IL​on April 29, 2025 at 10:14 pm

CHATHAM, Ill. (WLS) — An SUV drove into an after-school camp, killing four students in downstate Illinois, officials said.

The crash happened at the YNOT After School Camp, located at 301 Breckenridge Road in Chatham, around 3:20 p.m on Monday, Illinois State Police said.

The four victims were identified by the Sangamon County Coroner as Ainsley Johnson, 8 of Chatham, Kathryn Corley, 7 of Chatham, Alma Buhnerkempe, 7 of Chatham and 18-year-old Rylee Britton of Springfield.

Six other children were injured and one remains in critical condition, police said.

On Tuesday, ISP said the crash did not appear to be targeted.

“The vehicle crashed into the east side of the building went through the building and exited outside the west side of the building,” said Chatham Police Deputy Chief Scott Tarter.

Police said the vehicle left the road for unknown reasons and traveled through a field before hitting the building.

The Sangamon County coroner said all four victims were students.

One of the victims who died was inside the building at the time of the crash, and the three others were outside, ISP said.

ISP initially said the driver, who was the only person inside the SUV, was taken to a local hospital for evaluation but was not injured. Tuesday morning, police said the driver, a 44-year-old woman, was not in custody.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker released a statement, saying, “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.

Illinois 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 support in any way that we can. We are grateful for all the first responders assisting our community during this difficult time.”

The investigation is ongoing.

Further information was not immediately available.