Latest news with #YNOTOutdoorsSummerandAfterSchoolCamp
Daily Mail
04-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Car-crash driver had seizure before plowing into camp and killing four young people, lawyer says
An Illinois woman whose car killed four young people after it plowed into an after-school camp had suffered a seizure, her lawyer says. The crash on Monday killed three children and a teenager when the black Jeep veered off the road near Springfield, Illinois. Marianne Akers, 44, was driving home from work at about 3pm when she suffered a seizure that left her 'utterly incapacitated,' attorney W Scott Hanken said. Hanken, a criminal justice attorney in Springfield, revealed to local ABC affiliate, WICS News, that Akers suffered a seizure before her vehicle sped off the road and veered through the YNOT Outdoors Summer and After School Camp in Chatham, a village outside of Springfield. Hanken explained that the mother of two had left work at 3 pm and was traveling westbound when she suffered a seizure 'of some type of degree.' 'It rendered her completely and utterly incapacitated at the time, and as a result of that seizure, she has no recollection of what occurred,' he said. Hanken said that Akers had no history of seizures and wasn't on any medications that would have impaired her driving. 'No one contemplated this happening. She surely didn't. It was a perfect storm of events that, if she could take back she would, just like anyone else,' Hanken told WICS. Akers' lawyer said she was devastated and fully cooperating with law enforcement. The Illinois State Police hasn't yet confirmed the cause of the crash, and a spokesperson told that the investigation is ongoing. Police said that Akers' car left the road at around 3.20 pm and traveled through a field before crashing into the east side of the YNOT After School Camp, which stands for Youth Needing Other Things Outdoors. Akers' Jeep then crossed a gravel road and crashed into a pole and a fence. She was transported to a local hospital but was uninjured and released. Police said on Thursday that an initial toxicology report revealed that she didn't have alcohol or any controlled substances in her system at the time of the crash. Akers was the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. The four victims were killed on the scene. Police announced that the victims were Kathryn Corley and Alma Buhnerkempe, both seven, Ainsley Grace Johnson, eight, and Rylee Britton, 18. Britton was a high school student who helped run the after-school program. She was planning on studying English and secondary education at Iowa University. Her classmates described her as 'super intelligent' and 'unconditionally nice,' adding that she 'always made people laugh.' Ainsley was a dancer at Studio M Dance Centre. Her dance instructor, Mariah Clark, said she always 'brought so much light and joy into my class.' 'Her smile was so bright, her personality was already so big at such a young age, and she danced like she meant it. I will forever keep Ainsley in my heart,' Clark added. Kathryn went by the nickname Kit Kat and was described in her obituary as 'brightening the lives of everyone she encountered with her loving nature and unforgettable personality.' 'Alma came into this world exactly how she lived – in a burst of activity,' Alma's obituary read. 'From that point on, she never stopped. She lit up our world with an infectious energy, a goofy sense of humor, and a sense of compassion that was boundless.' Two separate vigils were held to honor the victims in the days following the crash. The three children who were killed were students at the Ball-Chatham School District. Britton's father, Zachary Britton, told the crowd at her vigil that seeing the support for his daughter made him smile. 'Our hearts are broken, but this helps a little bit,' USA Today reported. Of the six children hospitalized after the crash, two have been released. Ella Orsi, another seven-year-old at YNOT, is fighting severe injuries. She suffered facial fractures, a broken jaw, damaged teeth, brain swelling and brain bleeding from the crash. Family friend Casey Sitko said that she has been responsive and can squeeze her parents' hands. 'Ella is an absolute joy to be around. She loves to have fun, make jokes, and laugh! Her smile is infectious, and we can't wait to see it again,' she said. A spokesperson for the Illinois State Police Department told that there are no further updates on the case and the investigation remains ongoing. Akers hasn't been charged with any crime. She is a mom of a teenage boy and girl and previously worked in food service at Chatham Elementary School. She now works for the Illinois Department of Transportation's Bureau of Business Services and at the police department. ISP previously clarified that Akers wasn't an officer or investigator with the department.
Daily Mail
03-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Illinois mom-of-two who plowed into after school camp killing three kids and teen breaks her silence
An Illinois mom-of-two whose car plowed into an after-school camp on Monday and killed three kids and a teen is now explaining the tragedy through her lawyer. Marianne Akers, 44, was driving her black Jeep home from work when the car sped off the road and veered through the YNOT Outdoors Summer and After School Camp in Chatham, a village outside of Springfield. The tragedy claimed the lives of four and shocked the community. Now, Akers' lawyer is offering an explanation for the horrific crash. W. Scott Hanken, a criminal justice attorney in Springfield, revealed to local ABC affiliate, WICS News, that Akers suffered a seizure during the crash. Hanken explained that Akers had left work at 3 pm and was traveling westbound when she suffered a seizure 'of some type of degree.' 'It rendered her completely and utterly incapacitated at the time, and as a result of that seizure, she has no recollection of what occurred,' he said. Hanken said that Akers had no history of seizures and wasn't on any medications that would've impaired her driving. 'No one contemplated this happening. She surely didn't. It was a perfect storm of events that, if she could take back she would, just like anyone else,' Hanken told WICS. Akers' lawyer said she was devastated and fully cooperating with law enforcement. The Illinois State Police hasn't yet confirmed the cause of the crash, and a spokesperson told that the investigation is ongoing. Police said that Akers' car left the road at around 3:20 pm and traveled through a field before crashing into the east side of the YNOT After School Camp, which stands for Youth Needing Other Things Outdoors. Akers' Jeep then crossed a gravel road and crashed into a pole and a fence. She was transported to a local hospital but was uninjured and released. Police said on Thursday that an initial toxicology report revealed that she didn't have alcohol or any controlled substances in her system at the time of the crash. Akers was the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. The four victims were killed on the scene. Police announced that the victims were Kathryn Corley and Alma Buhnerkempe, both seven, Ainsley Grace Johnson, eight, and Rylee Britton, 18. Britton was a high school student who helped run the after-school program. She was planning on studying English and secondary education at Iowa University. Her classmates described her as 'super intelligent' and 'unconditionally nice,' adding that she 'always made people laugh.' Ainsley was a dancer at Studio M Dance Centre. Her dance instructor, Mariah Clark, said she always 'brought so much light and joy into my class.' 'Her smile was so bright, her personality was already so big at such a young age, and she danced like she meant it. I will forever keep Ainsley in my heart,' Clark added. Kathryn went by the nickname Kit Kat and was described in her obituary as 'brightening the lives of everyone she encountered with her loving nature and unforgettable personality.' 'Alma came into this world exactly how she lived – in a burst of activity,' Alma's obituary read. 'From that point on, she never stopped. She lit up our world with an infectious energy, a goofy sense of humor, and a sense of compassion that was boundless.' Two separate vigils were held to honor the victims in the days following the crash. The three children who were killed were students at the Ball-Chatham School District. Britton's father, Zachary Britton, told the crowd at her vigil that seeing the support for his daughter made him smile. 'Our hearts are broken, but this helps a little bit,' USA Today reported. Of the six children hospitalized after the crash, two have been released. Ella Orsi, another seven-year-old at YNOT, is fighting severe injuries. She suffered facial fractures, a broken jaw, damaged teeth, brain swelling and brain bleeding from the crash. Family friend Casey Sitko said that she has been responsive and can squeeze her parents' hands. 'Ella is an absolute joy to be around. She loves to have fun, make jokes, and laugh! Her smile is infectious, and we can't wait to see it again,' she said. A spokesperson for the Illinois State Police Department told that there are no further updates on the case and the investigation remains ongoing. Akers hasn't been charged with any crime. She is a mom of a teenage boy and girl and previously worked in food service at Chatham Elementary School. She now works for the Illinois Department of Transportation's Bureau of Business Services and at the police department. ISP previously clarified that Akers wasn't an officer or investigator with the department.
CBS News
02-05-2025
- CBS News
Funeral for Ainsley Johnson, killed in Chatham, Illinois daycare crash, to be held Friday
First funeral for Chatham, Illinois crash victim to be held Friday First funeral for Chatham, Illinois crash victim to be held Friday First funeral for Chatham, Illinois crash victim to be held Friday The first funeral for one of the four girls killed after a car crashed into an after-school camp in downstate Chatham, Illinois will be held Friday. Family and friends will lay eight-year-old Ainsley Johnson to rest Friday afternoon. She is one of three children and one teenage girl who were killed. In an update Thursday, Illinois State Police said 44-year-old Marianne Akers, who was driving the car that crashed through the building housing YNOT Outdoors Summer and After School Camp on Monday afternoon, was not intoxicated at the time of the incident. They said preliminary toxicology testing found no traces of alcohol or cany controlled substances. State police said they are considering that this could have been the result of a medical emergency. Six others were also hurt, most of whom have since been released from the hospital, including Akers. "Our people and all first responders are tough," said ISP Director Brendan Kelly. "But when a child dies, when children die, it weighs on their hearts and on their minds and their souls." There are no charges pending, but an investigation remains open and active. Ainsley was in second grade at Glenwood Elementary School. She danced at Studio M Dance Center, and played soccer in the SASA Soccer League, her obit read. Ainsley would "often sing along to any song she heard," and would take her dad's AirPods when he was mowing the lawn so she could listen to the music he was enjoying, her obit read. Ainsley also loved art, makeup, swimming, boating, and spending time at a lake—and she always looked forward to family vacations, her obituary said. Classes in the district also returned to in-person learning Friday. The school district said there will be extra counselors and therapy dogs will be available for students and staff.
CBS News
01-05-2025
- CBS News
Driver in Chatham, Illinois, crash that killed 4 at after-school program not intoxicated, police say
Illinois State Police say driver in Chatham, IL crash that killed 4 was not intoxicated Illinois State Police say driver in Chatham, IL crash that killed 4 was not intoxicated Illinois State Police say driver in Chatham, IL crash that killed 4 was not intoxicated Illinois State Police said the driver who plowed into a building housing an after-school program in downstate Chatham, Illinois, that killed three children and one teenager, was not intoxicated at the time of the crash. In a Thursday afternoon update, Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said initial toxicology results showed that 44-year-old Marianne Akers, who police identified as the driver and sole occupant of the car, was negative both for alcohol and controlled substances. Police said there is some evidence that points to a possible medical emergency leading up to the crash, but the investigation remains ongoing. Charges have not yet been filed in the crash. Kelly said they will confer with the Sangamon County State's Attorney at the conclusion of their investigation to determine what, if any, charges are appropriate. Troopers were called to YNOT Outdoors Summer and After School Camp on Monday around 3:20 p.m. when a car left the road, traveled through a field and then plowed into the east side of the building, striking several people outside before driving through it and striking many inside. The vehicle eventually broke through the opposite side of the building and came to a stop. Four girls were killed: Ainsley Johnson, 8, of Chatham; Kathryn Corley, 7, of Chatham; Alma Buhnerkempe, 7, of Chatham; and Riley Britton, 18, of Springfield. Akers is a former employee of the Illinois State Police and the local high school. State police said she has been cooperative with their investigation. Akers now works as an office assistant at the Illinois Department of Transportation. Six additional children were injured, and one remained in critical condition as of Tuesday. Some have been released from the hospital, but Kelly declined to share further details, citing requests from the victims' families for privacy. Kelly said state police are using the data recorder from the vehicle in their investigation, which could possibly provide information on the vehicle's speed, how its engine was performing and more, depending on the make and model of the car and what onboard sensors it has. "It is a lot, but it doesn't necessarily mean it's going to tell you everything. It's not a magic tool that will solve every crime, but it is circumstantial evidence that, along with other things, can be considered," Kelly said. The investigation remains active and ongoing. Remembering the 4 girls whose lives were cut short in the crash Kathryn Susanne Corley Butler Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center-Chatham Kathryn Susanne Corley was known to family and friends as "Kit Kat" according to a published obituary. Kit was born in Carbondale, and her family later relocated to Chatham, where Kit attended Little Flower preschool, Glenwood Elementary for kindergarten, and Chatham Elementary for first grade. "An old soul known for her sincere empathy and kindness, Kit had a special gift for connecting with people of all ages," Kit's obit read. "She was as comfortable chatting with her grandma and other adults as she was talking with her cousins and friends at school – always listening attentively and often responding with a comment that spoke to a maturity beyond her young age." The obit noted that at one point, Kit thought to thank a veteran in uniform for his service when she saw him in a coffee shop — and even offered to sing him a patriotic song. She also suggested movie nights for her family, and organized fun activities for her little cousins, her obit read. Kit's obit also described her as a "goofball" who would "request everyone's attention so that she could perform a silly dance or show off her signature funny face." She was also a devoted Taylor Swift fan, the obit said. Alma Lee Buhnerkempe Bisch Funeral Home Alma Lee Buhnerkempe was born in Springfield. As a second grader at Chatham Elementary School, she walked with her brother Will to the bus every morning and sat up front with him, her published obit read. She also always had a hug and a "love you" for her mom, dad, and grandma and grandpa as she left for school, the obit said. Kit Kat Corley was Alma's best friend, and they were always excited to learn play together, the obit read. Alma also volunteered and ran red-light-green-light games for the FLASH program, an adaptive sports program for children with disabilities to which her brother Will belonged, her obit read. She also loved spending time with her family. "We would always be treated to impromptu performances and howls of laughter at family gatherings big and small," her family wrote. Alma also loved playing soccer and basketball with her Queen Bees team, and was going to start senior pre-team gymnastics this summer at the Springfield Gymnastics Center. She was a fan of Illini basketball, LA Galaxy and STL City soccer, and had popcorn and ice cream as a spectator at games. She also loved to paint and got her dad into drawing, and was multitalented and multiskilled in so many ways, her family wrote. "Ever our future teacher, Miss Alma would conduct class for mom, dad, and anyone else who would sit on the floor to complete her quizzes. She also played piano and loved to dance while attempting to make YouTube videos," her family wrote. "She coupled this with a strong sense of community fostered by the Girl Scouts." Alma visited 17 states in her 7 years. Her favorite was Walt Disney World, where she would be on the rides all day, her family wrote. Ainsley Grace Johnson Bramley Funeral Home Funeral services are set for Friday for Ainsley Grace Johnson, who was also born in Springfield. Ainsley was in second grade at Glenwood Elementary School. She danced at Studio M Dance Center, and played soccer in the SASA Soccer League, her obit read. Ainsley would "often sing along to any song she heard," and would take her dad's AirPods when he was mowing the lawn so she could listen to the music he was enjoying, her obit read. Ainsley also loved art, makeup, swimming, boating, and spending time at a lake—and she always looked forward to family vacations, her obit read. Rylee Denae Britton Staab Funeral Homes Rylee Denae Britton was born in Springfield, and attended Glenwood High School in Chatham—where her obit read her "passion for English and education shone brightly." She planned to attend the University of Iowa for college. Rylee worked at YNOT Outdoors After School Camp, and had previously held jobs at a DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, Express Personnel Services, and the YMCA. She was also a student intern at Chatham Elementary School, her obit read. Rylee played soccer and sawm in high school, and was on the GSA Strikers soccer team as a younger girl. She also performed in stage productions at the Hoogland Center for the Arts and Theatre in the Park in Springfield. "Rylee's courage was as notable as her kind-heartedness. She faced every challenge with a brave smile, inspiring those around her. Her infectious positivity and warmth touched everyone she met, leaving a mark forever on her friends, family, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her," she said. She was described as a cherished sister to two, and as an adored girlfriend to Drew Moffit.
Daily Mail
01-05-2025
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Disturbing new theory about why female driver crashed into after school club and killed four young girls
The driver of a car that plowed through an after-school program and killed three young kids and a teen may have suffered a medical emergency. Marianne Akers' black Jeep rammed straight through the YNOT Outdoors Summer and After School Camp in Chatham, Illinois, about 3.20pm on Monday. Kathryn Corley and Alma Buhnerkempe, both seven, Ainsley Grace Johnson, eight, and Rylee Britton, 18, died and six other children were injured. Akers, 44, tested negative to drugs or alcohol and was not under the influence when she veered off the road 'a substantial distance' away, police said. Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said evidence of a medical emergency was so far 'not conclusive' and the investigation was still ongoing. No decision has been made whether to charge Akers with any crime, he said. Akers was filmed in handcuffs, with her hair in a messy bun and wearing a dark grey T-shirt. She was uninjured despite crashing through a wall. Police at the time said she was taken to a local hospital for evaluation with toxicology results still pending, and was not under arrest. 'Akers is not in custody at this time as the cause of the crash remains under investigation,' Illinois State Police said on Tuesday. The Chatham Police Department debunked rampant social media rumors that Akers was drunk and failed a field sobriety test after the crash. 'This is not true. Please stop sharing this,' the department's Facebook page commented on a post claiming Akers was arrested for a suspected DUI. Akers is a food service worker at Chatham Elementary School and a mother of two children - a teenage boy and girl. Ainsley's grandfather Galen Johnson mourned her online with a photo of her in an adorable fancy dress outfit. 'Words alone cannot express the pain we in the Johnson family are feeling with the loss of granddaughter Ainsley Grace Johnson. Love you "Squirt!"' he wrote. Ainsley was a dancer at Studio M Dance Centre, where her teacher Mariah Clark promised to always remember her. 'Ainsley brought so much light and joy into my class, she always gave me a little hip-hop tude and I lived for it,' she said. 'Her smile was so bright, her personality was already so big at such a young age, and she danced like she meant it. I will forever keep Ainsley in my heart.' Britton was a senior at Glenwood High School and like many of the students who helped run the program, planned to be a teacher. 'One of my favorite things about her was how she was unconditionally nice to everyone,' a classmate said. 'She was super intelligent and always made people laugh.' Three of the victims were hit by the Jeep as they stood outside the building, while the fourth person who died was inside the building, police said. The six injured children were rushed to hospital, including one with injuries so severe they had to be airlifted for treatment. 'Postmortem procedures done today indicate that they all died from multiple blunt force injuries sustained in the incident,' Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon said. Akers is understood to have crashed her car into the east side of the school facility with such force that it burst out the other side seconds later. 'The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but this does not appear to be a targeted attack,' Illinois State Police said. The program is designed for school-aged children and is run by college students and 'very mature' high school seniors - most of whom have ambitions themselves of one day becoming educators. A fundraiser for the victims and their families has already attracted more than $75,000 in donations. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed his horror on Monday afternoon, writing: 'Parents said goodbye to their kids this morning not knowing it would be the last time. 'Our community lost a group of bright and innocent young people with their whole lives ahead of them. 'Let's wrap our arms around the community tonight as we receive updates on the situation.' Devastated locals recalled the moment their neighbors, friends, and loved ones learned of the tragedy and rushed to the scene. 'Watching people you know sprint past your house, not knowing if their children are safe, is a gut-wrenching experience. My heart aches for everyone,' one wrote. Employees and volunteers at the local blood bank, Impact Life, urged locals to give blood this week, as they drained much of their stockpile helping victims of the crash. 'After the tragic events today the blood bank is running low, please if your able go donate,' one woman wrote. Another said: 'I work at the Blood Center, and we had to pack up so much of our supply for this, so please if you can donate blood, platelets, any of it, go do it.' Illinois Senator Doris Turner said she was 'heartbroken' by the tragedy. 'When we drop our kids off in the morning, we should always have the utmost belief that they will come home safely at the end of the day,' she wrote. 'For some families, that belief was shaken today following the tragedy at YNOT in Chatham. 'I am heartbroken - there truly are no words to explain what the Chatham community is feeling and will feel for days, weeks and months to come. 'I want to thank the first responders, law enforcement and volunteers.' The local Chick-Fil-A has offered all first responders a free meal on Monday and Tuesday in response to the tragedy. YNOT, which stands for Youth Needing Other Things, is a summer and after school camp offering three hours of care for busy parents with little ones. The Chatham Baptist Church has become the makeshift reunification point for families who have children at YNOT.
