Driver, victims identified in Illinois after-school camp crash that left 4 dead, including children
Share and Follow

Illinois State Police identified Marianne Akers on Tuesday as the driver whose car crashed into an after-school camp yesterday in Chatham, leaving four people and multiple children dead. 

Officials announced that the 44-year-old from Chatham is “not in custody at this time as the cause of the crash remains under investigation.” 

The deadly incident occurred at around 3:20 p.m. when a car left the road for unknown reasons and went through a building at the YNOT After School Camp in Chatham, according to state police. The camp is about 11 miles south of Springfield. 

“The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, Akers, was uninjured and transported to an area hospital for evaluation. Toxicology reports are pending. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but this does not appear to be a targeted attack,” state police said Tuesday. 

“Six additional children were taken to area hospitals and one remains in critical condition,” state police said Tuesday. 

“ISP traffic crash reconstruction, patrol, crime scene services, and criminal investigations all responded to the scene along with Chatham Police Department, Chatham Fire Department, Springfield Police Department, Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, the Sangamon County Coroner, and numerous other first responders,” it also said. 

Footage of wrecked camp

The incident took place at the YNOT After School Camp on Monday. (Aarika Jo via Facebook)

Illinois State Police said the incident remains an “active investigation” and that it “offers its sincere and heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and Chatham community during this difficult time.” 

Fox News Digital’s Andrea Margolis and Michael Dorgan contributed to this report. 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
ALISON BOSHOFF: Can Sussexes' charity survive after top aide leaves?

Future of Sussexes’ Charity in Question After Key Aide’s Departure: What’s Next?

About two weeks ago, an exhilarating late-night call brought some surprising news.…
Wild video shows speeding car going airborne, ejects driver into backyard pool

Shocking Footage: Driver Ejected into Backyard Pool as Car Goes Airborne in High-Speed Crash

Shocking surveillance footage from a home in southern Nevada captures a dramatic…
California farming tycoon accused of fatally shooting wife through window amid fight over fortune: report

California Agribusiness Mogul Allegedly Shoots Wife During Dispute Over Wealth, Report Claims

Over a month after a tragic shooting claimed the life of a…
Exclusive | Boca Raton mansion with ties to Oprah asks $27.7M

Oprah’s Connection: Luxurious Boca Raton Mansion Hits Market for $27.7M

Back in the day, Oprah Winfrey frequently visited a stunning waterfront mansion…
Who Jets, Giants need to watch as College Football Playoff unfolds

Key College Football Players the Jets and Giants Should Scout During Playoffs

This weekend’s NFL action has positioned the Giants and the Jets in…
The Wire star Isiah Whitlock Jr. dies at 71

Remembering Isiah Whitlock Jr.: A Legacy of Iconic Performances and Unforgettable Roles

Renowned actor Isiah Whitlock Jr., celebrated for his memorable catchphrase in the…
Missing Camila Mendoz Olmos: Dashcam captures last sighting of Texas teen who vanished Christmas Eve

Texas Teen Camila Mendoz Olmos Disappears on Christmas Eve: Dashcam Footage Reveals Final Sighting

FBI joins search for missing Texas 19-year-old On Tuesday morning, the aunt…
Wife of Jill Biden's ex dies after cops called to domestic dispute'

Tragic Turn of Events: Ex-Wife of Jill Biden’s Former Spouse Passes Away Following Domestic Dispute

Authorities were alerted to a domestic disturbance at a residence in Oak…