Hundreds of people gathered for an emotional vigil to honor the four children tragically killed in the Chatham Illinois crash earlier this week. The vehicle plowed into a local after-school camp, leaving the small town in deep mourning and sending waves of shock and sorrow throughout the community.
The devastating crash happened on Tuesday, April 28, when a car veered off the road and slammed into the building housing an after-school program in Chatham. The victims were identified as Rylee Britton, 18, Ainsley Johnson, 8, Alma Buhnerkempe, 7, and Kathryn Corley, 7. They were killed instantly from multiple blunt force injuries, officials said.
A day later, the community gathered at Glenwood High School for a vigil, surrounding four heart-shaped memorials placed on the football field.
Chatham Police Officer David Leach shared his heartfelt experience at the scene. “After witnessing the aftermath of the crash, it was overwhelming. I went home, hugged my wife and kids, and just broke down,” he told the crowd. “The grief keeps coming in waves. And to all the families—those who lost their children and those still by their child’s hospital bed—we are grieving with you and standing beside you.”
Chatham Illinois crash under investigation
According to the Illinois State Police, the crash occurred around 3:20 p.m. local time when a vehicle unexpectedly left the roadway, drove through a field, and barreled into the east side of the building. It struck several individuals before exiting from the other side.
Four children were declared dead at the scene. Six others were rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. The driver, 44-year-old Marianne Akers, was also hospitalized and later released after providing blood and urine samples. Authorities confirmed she tested negative for alcohol, drugs, and other controlled substances.
Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly stated that early evidence suggests the possibility of a medical emergency contributing to the incident. “This aspect, along with other details, is still under active investigation,” he said.
The Chatham Illinois crash has left a deep mark on the town, as residents continue to support the families impacted by this heartbreaking tragedy.
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Source: www.people.com
