Kathryn Corley dies in fatal Chatham car crash

Kathryn Corley dies in fatal Chatham car crash

Fatal Chatham car crash death of Kathryn Corley – Obituary

Authorities have identified the victims of a devastating crash in Chatham, Illinois, where a vehicle plowed through a facility hosting an after-school camp. Among those tragically killed was 7-year-old Kathryn Corley, alongside Alma Buhnerkempe, 7, Ainsley Johnson, 8, and Rylee Britton, 18. The incident also left six additional children injured, with one in critical condition.

The driver, 44-year-old Marianne Akers from Chatham, veered off the roadway, sped across a field, and slammed into the building Monday afternoon. The car continued through the structure, hitting several individuals before exiting out the other side. Law enforcement officials have indicated the crash does not appear to have been intentional.

Akers was unharmed and transported to a hospital for assessment. Toxicology tests are pending, and she had not been detained as of Tuesday morning. State police have stated the investigation remains active and did not provide further comment about Akers.

The crash happened just days after another vehicular tragedy during a public event in Vancouver, Canada. Although no motive has been confirmed in the Chatham case, authorities noted similarities to other global incidents involving vehicles.

The small town of Chatham, home to roughly 15,000 people and located 12 miles from Springfield, is reeling from the loss. Community members held prayer gatherings, and grief counselors were made available at local schools.

The accident occurred at the Youth Needing Other Things Outdoors (YNOT) camp, a popular program where children from different elementary schools come together. On Tuesday, flowers and stuffed animals were placed near the building’s boarded-up entrance by grieving residents, including Jennifer Walston and her daughters, who knew two of the victims.

YNOT founder Jamie Loftus explained that surveillance footage showed the vehicle crossing several areas without slowing—cutting across a field, road, sidewalk, and parking lot before smashing through the camp’s building and eventually striking a power pole and fence.

Loftus expressed sorrow in a public message, emphasizing the emotional toll on the affected families, describing the children as being like family to the organization.

Governor JB Pritzker extended condolences, calling the deaths and injuries “horrifying” and offering state assistance. Meanwhile, the Chatham Police Department requested prayers for a community deeply shaken by the event.

By Monday evening, social media in the area reflected solidarity, with users updating their profile photos to red ribbons bearing the message “Chatham Strong.”