Crime
Marianne Akers Identified as Driver in Chatham After-School Camp Crash That Killed 4 Children and Injured 6 Others
Toxicology results are pending.
Chatham, Illinois — The Illinois State Police (ISP) continues to investigate a tragic vehicle crash that occurred on the afternoon of Monday, April 28, 2025, in Chatham, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries, most of them children.
The driver involved in the incident has been identified as 44-year-old Marianne Akers of Chatham.
According to authorities, Akers is not currently in custody as the investigation remains ongoing.
However, preliminary information indicates that impairment may have been a factor in the crash.
At approximately 3:20 p.m., a vehicle operated by Akers reportedly left the roadway for unknown reasons, traveled through a field, and entered the east side of the YNOT After School Camp located at 301 Breckenridge Road.
The vehicle continued through the building, striking numerous individuals inside, before exiting through the opposite side of the structure.
Tragically, four victims lost their lives in the crash.
They have been identified as two 7-year-olds, an 8-year-old, and an 18-year-old. Six additional children sustained injuries and were transported to area hospitals. One remains in critical condition.
Akers, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, was not physically injured and was transported to a hospital for medical evaluation.
Multiple eyewitnesses reported that she appeared impaired at the scene. A field sobriety test was conducted and reportedly failed.
Toxicology results are pending.
While investigators have not identified any evidence suggesting the crash was intentional, the possibility of driving under the influence (DUI) remains a central focus.
Witness accounts and early findings indicate intoxication may have contributed to the deadly incident.
Akers is employed with the Chatham School District’s food service department. Authorities have not confirmed whether her employment status is relevant to the ongoing investigation.
Numerous agencies responded to the scene, including ISP Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit, ISP Patrol, Crime Scene Services, and Criminal Investigations Division, as well as the Chatham Police Department, Chatham Fire Department, Springfield Police Department, Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sangamon County Coroner.
Illinois State Police issued the following statement:
“This remains an active and ongoing investigation. We offer our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected, and to the Chatham community as they grieve this unimaginable loss.”
No further details are being released at this time.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Illinois State Police.
MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Authorities have confirmed that a suspect is in custody following a shooting incident at the Meridian Mall on Friday afternoon.
As a result, the lockdown at the mall has been lifted.
The Meridian Township Police Department issued a public advisory just before 2:00 p.m., urging residents and shoppers to avoid the area near the Dick’s Sporting Goods entrance while officers conducted an active investigation at the scene.
At this time, police have not released specific details regarding the nature of the shooting, including whether anyone was injured or the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the incident and are expected to provide additional information as it becomes available.
The public is asked to remain clear of the immediate area to allow for the ongoing investigation.