On April 28, 2025, a devastating tragedy struck Chatham, Illinois, when an SUV crashed into the YNOT After School Camp, killing four young people and injuring six others. Authorities report that the crash occurred around 3:20 p.m., when 44-year-old Marianne Akers lost control of her vehicle. The SUV left the roadway, traveled through a field, struck children outside the building, crashed through the east wall, continued inside, and exited through the west wall before coming to rest against a power pole and fence.
The Sangamon County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as:
All four were pronounced deceased at the scene due to multiple blunt force injuries.
Six additional children were hospitalized, one of whom remains in critical condition. The driver, Akers, was uninjured but taken to a hospital for evaluation. At this time, investigators believe the crash was not a targeted attack, but a full investigation is ongoing.
Governor JB Pritzker offered his condolences, stating, "Our community lost a group of bright and innocent young people with their whole lives ahead of them. Parents said goodbye to their kids this morning not knowing it would be the last time."
The YNOT After School Camp — operated by Youth Needing Other Things Outdoors — has long served the Chatham community by providing after-school and summer programs for local children. Founder Jamie Loftus called the incident a "terrible tragedy" and emphasized the deep impact on families and the broader community.
As Chatham mourns this heartbreaking loss, many questions remain about how this tragedy could have been prevented — and what legal options families may have as they seek answers and accountability.
When tragedies like this occur, families often face emotional devastation, medical bills, funeral costs, and a lifetime of unanswered questions. If a loved one has been injured or lost due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to justice and compensation.
At My Law Hero - Davalos Legal, we stand with families affected by catastrophic accidents. Our team fights to uncover the truth, hold negligent parties accountable, and secure the financial recovery families need to move forward.
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Don’t face this alone. If you or a loved one has been impacted by a serious car crash or wrongful death, call Attorney Jonny Davalos today at 305-786-HELP or contact us online to schedule your free case review.
