Families file wrongful death lawsuit in downstate Chatham crash that killed 4 children, teen counselor

The families of four kids and a teenage camp counselor killed in a crash last year in downstate Chatham are suing the driver and the day camp.

The lawsuit was filed Sunday in Sangamon County, almost a year after a driver crashed into YNOT After School Camp, which holds after-school programs and summer camps.

On April 28, 2025, Marianne Akers, 44, was driving on County Highway 5A when she drove off the road, traveled through a cornfield and crashed into an outer wall on the east side of the building.

Kathryn Corley, 7, Alma Buhnerkempe, 7, Bradley James Lund, 8, Ainsley Johnson, 8, and 18-year-old counselor Rylee Britton were killed in the crash.

The lawsuit claims the camp was built in violation of safety codes prohibiting permanent youth camps from being located within 100 feet of a highway. It also claims the building did not have adequate means installed to prevent a vehicle from striking the building.

The lawsuit also accuses Akers of negligence for failing to stop the vehicle before crashing into the building. Akers was not injured in the crash and no charges were filed.

“No family should ever have to endure the unimaginable loss of a child. Kathryn, Alma, Bradley, Ainsley and Rylee had their whole lives ahead of them,” Lance D. Northcutt, the attorney representing the families, said in a statement.

“Chatham is a tight-knit community, and this tragedy has deeply affected countless families. These children were irreplaceable. With this lawsuit, the families seek accountability for this profound loss and meaningful safety improvements to prevent a tragedy like this from ever happening again.”

Camp officials couldn't be reached for comment.

At least five other children were hurt in the crash.