Rylee Britton Chatham IL Death and Obituary – On April 28, 2025, the small town of Chatham, Illinois, was shaken by a horrific car crash that took the lives of four young individuals and injured several others. The tragic incident occurred around 3:20 p.m. at the YNOT After School Camp, a local youth program run by the nonprofit YNOT Outdoors. The crash, which left a community in mourning, has raised questions about its cause and the devastation it has brought to the families and the town.
The victims have been identified as Kathryn Corley, 7; Alma Buhnerkempe, 7; Ainsley Johnson, 8; and Rylee Britton, 18. All four were pronounced dead at the scene from blunt force trauma, as confirmed by Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon. In addition to the fatalities, six other children were injured in the crash and were transported to local hospitals. As of April 29, one child remains in critical condition, with the rest expected to recover. The YNOT After School Camp, a beloved program that provides safe, enriching activities for children, has been left to cope with the aftermath of this unimaginable loss.
According to Illinois State Police, the incident occurred when a vehicle driven by 44-year-old Marianne Akers of Chatham inexplicably veered off course, plowing through a field before crashing into the east side of the YNOT camp building. The vehicle struck multiple individuals inside and continued through the structure, exiting from the opposite side. Although the crash does not appear to have been a targeted attack, the authorities have launched an investigation to determine its cause. Toxicology results for Akers are still pending, and she was hospitalized for evaluation following the crash, though she is not currently in custody
The YNOT After School Camp is part of YNOT Outdoors, a nonprofit organization founded in 2002 to provide children with an active and safe environment outside of school hours. YNOT, which stands for “Youth Need Other Things,” offers a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and field sports, serving as a cornerstone of the community. The organization is known for its involvement of high school seniors and college students, who serve as counselors and mentors for the younger children. For many families, YNOT has become a trusted place for their children to grow, learn, and form lasting friendships.
The building that was struck in the accident is one of several YNOT facilities. Other affiliated locations include the Pawnee Assembly of God Church and Sugar Creek United Methodist Church, which also host after-school and summer programs. The loss of young lives at this well-loved facility has left a deep void in the community, and residents have united in grief and support for the affected families.
In the wake of the tragedy, vigils and memorial services are being planned to honor the lives of the victims. Kathryn, Alma, and Ainsley were vibrant young children full of promise, while Rylee Britton, at 18 years old, was likely serving as a counselor or mentor to the younger campers. Rylee was remembered by many for their kindness, leadership, and dedication to the program. Local parents, teachers, and community leaders have expressed profound sorrow, with one school administrator stating, “This is a nightmare that no family, no community should ever have to face.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, as questions remain about why Akers lost control of the vehicle. In the meantime, grief counselors have been made available to assist families, students, and staff affected by the tragedy.
The tragic deaths of Kathryn, Alma, Ainsley, and Rylee have left a lasting impact on the Chatham community. As the investigation unfolds, the town remains united in mourning, with a collective commitment to honoring the lives of these young victims. Though their lives were tragically cut short, their memories will live on in the hearts of those who knew them, as well as in the community that will forever be changed by this loss.
