In the quiet town of Chatham, Illinois, a day meant for joy and learning at the YNot After-School Camp turned into an unimaginable tragedy on April 28, 2025. The laughter of children was silenced when a Jeep, driven by Marianne Akers, tore through the facility, leaving four young lives lost and a community grappling with grief. The victims, all female students aged between 4 and 18, were struck with such force that three were killed outside the building and one inside, as the vehicle smashed through the east wall and exited the west, leaving a trail of destruction. Six others were injured, one so severely that they were airlifted to a hospital, while the rest were rushed to nearby medical facilities. The scene, captured in drone footage and witness accounts, was one of chaos—shattered walls, scattered debris, and the piercing wail of sirens as first responders worked tirelessly to save lives.
Marianne Akers, a 44-year-old employee of the Chatham School District’s food service department, was taken into custody after the crash. Authorities administered a field sobriety test at the scene, which Akers reportedly failed, fueling suspicions that driving under the influence was a factor in the catastrophe. Witnesses described her as appearing intoxicated, a claim that has sent shockwaves through the community and sparked calls for harsher penalties for DUI-related offenses. The Illinois State Police, in collaboration with the Chatham Police Department, are conducting a thorough investigation, with toxicology reports pending to determine the full extent of Akers’ impairment. Formal charges are expected soon, as law enforcement pieces together the events leading to the crash.
The YNot After-School Camp, located at 301 Breckenridge Road, just south of Springfield, was a haven for children—a place where parents entrusted their kids for after-school care and summer programs designed to be safe and stimulating. The facility, part of a nonprofit dedicated to serving the Ball-Chatham and Pleasant Plains school districts, was filled with children when the Jeep barreled through around 3:20 p.m. The impact was devastating, not only for the physical damage but for the emotional toll on families, staff, and the broader community. Chatham Baptist Church quickly became a reunification point for frantic parents, while Glenwood Middle School opened its doors the following day to offer counseling to students, staff, and families. The Ball-Chatham Community Unit District #5 canceled extracurricular activities and shifted to eLearning on April 29 to allow the community time to mourn.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed his heartbreak, noting the unbearable grief of parents who said goodbye to their children that morning, unaware it would be the last time. His administration pledged support to Chatham, urging residents to follow local authorities’ guidance as the investigation unfolds. Community leaders, including Village Trustee Kristen Chiaro, called for unity, emphasizing the need to care for one another in the wake of such a loss. The tragedy has reignited discussions about road safety and the devastating consequences of impaired driving, with residents demanding accountability.
As the investigation continues, authorities are appealing to the public for any information that could shed light on the incident. The Illinois State Police and Chatham Police Department remain committed to uncovering the truth, while the community of Chatham holds tight to one another, mourning the bright futures cut short and praying for the recovery of those injured. This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need to prevent such senseless tragedies in the future.