CHATHAM, Ill. (WAND) - Illinois State Police are identifying the driver who they said drove through the YNOT after school camp in Chatham Monday, killing four children and injuring six others.
The driver of the vehicle involved in the crash has been identified as 44-year-old Marianne Akers of Chatham. Akers is not in custody at this time as the cause of the crash remains under investigation. She was not injured in the crash.
WAND News learned Akers previously worked with the Ball-Chatham School District. She last worked at the district in 2022 as a food service employee.
Illinois State Police confirmed the children who were killed include two 7-year-old girls, an 8-year-old girl, and an 18-year-old girl.
Identification is pending next of kin notification.
Six other children were injured. One remains hospitalized in critical condition. That victim was taken by helicopter from the scene.
ISP said three of the victims who were killed were struck outside of a building before the vehicle went into the building and hit another person, according to police. The vehicle then exited the building.
ISP said this does not appear to be a targeted attack.
Walnut Street between Park Street and Gordon Drive was closed following the crash.
The Chatham Baptist Church was used a reunification point for families with kids at YNOT.
Ball-Catham School District Spokesperson Danny Frey said school on Tuesday will be eLearning and all extracurricular activities are canceled. Frey said students will not be provided any assignments and the focus will be on providing social and emotional support.
"Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with the affected families," Frey said in a statement to WAND News.
Counseling services will be available at Glenwood Middle School on Tuesday starting at 9 a.m. The district is also taking supplies and donations at Glenwood High School on Tuesday starting at 10 a.m.
The Glenwood Student Council is also organizing a Go Fund Me for the victims' families. Over $33,000 had already been raised as of Tuesday morning.
YNOT Outdoors (Youth Needing Other Things) was founded in 2002, according to the organization's website. The non-profit allows parents to let children attend after school and summer programs. It was founded by Springfield natives Jamie and Mitzi Loftus.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said his office is monitoring the investigation and prepared to help.
"I am horrified and deeply saddened by the deaths of children and numerous injuries in Chatham this afternoon," Pritzker said. "Our community lost a group of bright and innocent young people with their whole lives ahead of them."
Pritzker and his wife, Mary Kathryn, extended their prayers and condolences.
Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton said her heart aches for the entire Chatham community.
"As a mom, I know when you drop your children off in the morning, you hug them tight, give them a kiss, and hope for nothing more than picking them up, safe and sound, at the end of the day," stated Stratton. "I can’t imagine the pain these families are going through. Bryan and I will remember them in our prayers, that they would have strength for the journey ahead. I’m also thinking of the brave first responders on the scene and the good work of the Illinois State Police as they investigate this tragedy.
State Senator Doris Turner represents part of the Chatham area. She also stated her office is willing to step in and help.
"When we drop our kids off in the morning, we should always have the utmost belief that they will come home safely at the end of the day," Turner said. "For some families, that belief was shaken today following the tragedy at Y.N.O.T. in Chatham. I am heartbroken — there truly are no words to explain what the Chatham community is feeling and will feel for days, weeks and months to come."
State Representative Mike Coffey's district encompasses most of Chatham.
"My heart hurts for the tragic loss of life in Chatham today," Coffey said on social media. "Please join me in praying for the families and the entire community as they grieve."
Chatham Village President Dave Kimsey posted a statement on social media stating, "The days and weeks ahead will be challenging as we come to terms with the loss and struggle with the impact. Our community has proven time and again that we come together in difficult moments. All that strength is being called upon again."
This is a developing story.
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