Tragic Crash in Chatham, Illinois Claims Lives of Kathryn Corley and Rylee Britton

On April 28, 2025, a heartbreaking tragedy struck Chatham, Illinois, when a vehicle veered off the road, crossed a field, and crashed through a building used by Youth Needing Other Things Outdoors (YNOT), a cherished after-school and summer camp program. The devastating incident claimed the lives of four young individuals: 7-year-old Kathryn Corley, 8-year-old Ainsley Johnson, 7-year-old Alma Buhnerkempe, and 18-year-old Rylee Britton. Six other children were injured and hospitalized, one in critical condition, as the car barreled through the structure, leaving the tight-knit community of Chatham, located near Springfield, in profound grief. The driver, a 44-year-old woman from Chatham, was unharmed but taken for evaluation, with authorities noting that the crash does not appear to be intentional, though the investigation remains ongoing.

In response to this unimaginable loss, the Chatham community has united in mourning and support. On Tuesday evening, hundreds gathered for a vigil in the town square, adorned with red ribbons and heart-shaped boards bearing the victims’ names, while faith leaders, support animals, and local organizations offered comfort. The Ball-Chatham School District shifted classes online through Thursday, and residents have turned to prayer services, lowered flags, and small gestures like free ice cream to cope. As the community honors the memories of Kathryn, Rylee, and the other victims—described as vibrant, kind, and inclusive by those who knew them—the focus remains on healing and resilience in the face of this profound tragedy.