In Chatham, Illinois, the community is in mourning following a tragic event where a vehicle crashed through a building utilized for a well-known after-school camp. The incident occurred on Monday when a car veered off a road, traversed a field, and smashed into the building of Youth Needing Other Things Outdoors (YNOT), as reported by Illinois State Police. The car passed through the building, injuring several individuals before it emerged on the opposite side. Tragically, three children and a teenager lost their lives in the incident, while six other children were hospitalized, including one who is in critical condition.
Sangamon County’s coroner identified the victims as 18-year-old Rylee Britton of Springfield, along with three Chatham children: Ainsley Johnson, 8, and Kathryn Corley and Alma Buhnerkempe, both 7 years old.
On Tuesday evening, heartbroken residents gathered in the town square, adorned with red ribbons, to honor the memory of those lost. Board hearts displayed the names of the four deceased, and countless people inscribed personal messages on each heart. Nine-year-old Coralie Glessner fondly remembered Britton as a beloved counselor who frequently played games with her and warmly greeted her each day.
During the vigil, faith leaders delivered remarks as attendees held candles aloft. Support animals were brought by Lutheran Charities, and the American Red Cross provided refreshments and comfort items. Sam McCurdy, a college student, returned home to support his sister, a close friend of Britton’s. The friends were planning to attend prom together soon, but the tragedy derailed their plans.
The Chatham community, consisting of approximately 15,000 residents, has been deeply affected. In response, churches have held prayer services, city officials ordered flags at half-staff, and schools have conducted online classes. An ice cream shop provided free ice cream as a gathering place, and many locals changed their social media profile pictures to red ribbons inscribed with “Chatham Strong.”
Jennifer Walston, a resident, expressed her devastation while leaving tributes at the crash site with her daughters, who were familiar with the young victims. The young girls were remembered fondly by the community for their vibrant nature and friendly demeanor. Dance classes were canceled at the studio where Ainsley and others involved in the crash took lessons, with tributes being shared online to commemorate them.
Earlier that day, a large crowd assembled at Cherry Hills Church, many wearing red, the school color for Glenwood High School where Britton attended. Pastor Steve Patzia encouraged the gathering to remember and share positive memories of those lost, offering comfort in the wake of this tragedy.
The YNOT programs, highly regarded within the community, employ young adults as counselors and focus on outdoor activities. Many in the community noted the significant impact the camp has had on their families over the years, with shared stories reflecting their fond memories.
Jamie Loftus, the founder of YNOT Outdoors, shared that security footage revealed the vehicle traveled a great distance before crashing into the building at high speed without deviation. The vehicle subsequently collided with other structures before coming to a stop.
Jacob Rabin, a former YNOT attendee, emphasized the unfortunate timing of the incident, noting that it occurred just after the children would have arrived. The 44-year-old driver involved in the crash was not injured, though underwent medical evaluation. Police are awaiting toxicology results and continue to investigate, indicating that the event does not appear to have been a targeted attack.
Following this harrowing event, the Ball-Chatham School District announced a transition to online classes for the remainder of the week as the community grapples with this loss.
The tragic event has drawn comparisons to other vehicle-related incidents, highlighting an increasing global concern over such occurrences. The Chatham community continues to come together in its collective grief, seeking solace and support in one another.