Tragedy Strikes Chatham: Car Crash Claims Four Lives, Including Three Children
CHATHAM, IL — April 30, 2025 — A peaceful Monday afternoon in the close-knit community of Chatham, Illinois, was shattered by a devastating car crash that claimed four lives, including three children, when a vehicle veered off the road and crashed into a building housing an after-school program.
According to preliminary reports from local authorities, the incident occurred shortly after 3:30 p.m. near the intersection of West Walnut Street and Park Avenue, a quiet area not far from downtown Chatham. The driver, whose identity has not yet been publicly released, lost control of the vehicle under still-unclear circumstances and drove through a fence before colliding with the west side of the building, which was serving as a temporary location for an after-school camp.
Emergency responders were on the scene within minutes, but the impact proved fatal for four victims: Rylee Britton, 18, a camp counselor and recent graduate of Glenwood High School; Alma Buhnerkempe, 7; Kathryn Corley, 7; and Ainsley Johnson, whose age was not immediately disclosed but was confirmed to be a participant in the camp. All three children were inside the building attending the program when the vehicle crashed through the wall.
Despite the efforts of paramedics, Rylee Britton and the three children were pronounced dead at the scene. Several others sustained injuries ranging from minor to moderate and were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Authorities have not yet provided an update on the total number of people injured.
“This is an unfathomable tragedy,” said Chatham Mayor Tom Gray during an emotional press briefing late Monday evening. “Our hearts are broken for the families who have lost their loved ones today. We will grieve with them and support them through this unimaginable time.”
The driver of the vehicle is cooperating with investigators, and no charges have been filed as of Tuesday morning. Police Chief Emily Dawson confirmed that a full investigation is underway to determine whether mechanical failure, medical emergency, or driver impairment may have played a role in the crash. “We’re looking at all possibilities,” she stated, urging the public to remain patient and respectful as details continue to emerge.
The building, part of a local community center leased for after-school activities, sustained significant structural damage and has been closed indefinitely. Local fire officials are assessing whether it can be repaired or will need to be demolished.
Community members gathered Monday night for an impromptu candlelight vigil at the Village Green, where hundreds came together to mourn, share memories, and pray. Flowers, stuffed animals, and handwritten notes began appearing at the crash site almost immediately, with many locals expressing sorrow and disbelief.
“Rylee had a heart of gold,” said Megan Sanchez, a friend and fellow camp staff member. “She loved those kids so much. She was their hero, and she died trying to protect them.”
Teachers at Chatham Elementary School, where Alma and Kathryn were second graders, described both girls as bright, kind, and full of life. “They were joyful spirits who brought so much happiness to their classrooms,” said Principal Linda Harrington. “We are devastated. This loss is deeply personal for our entire school community.”
Counselors have been made available at area schools to help students and staff cope with the trauma of the incident, and several local churches have opened their doors for special prayer services and grief support groups.
Governor JB Pritzker also issued a statement of condolence Tuesday morning, saying, “The loss of young lives in such a tragic way is gut-wrenching. Our state stands in solidarity with the Chatham community. We will do all we can to support the families and help this community heal.”
As investigators continue their work and the community begins to mourn, residents of Chatham are leaning on each other for strength, grappling with how quickly a routine day turned into one of the darkest in the town’s recent history.
Funeral arrangements for the victims are pending, and several community fundraisers and memorial events are being planned. A GoFundMe campaign to support the families had already raised tens of thousands of dollars within hours of being launched.
What began as a typical Monday has left Chatham forever changed—a quiet town now mourning the loss of four precious lives, gone far too soon.
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