YNOT After School Camp crash: Driver of deadly Chatham, Illinois crash possibly suffered medical episode, ISP says

CHATHAM, Ill. (WLS) — The driver of a deadly after-school camp crash could have possibly suffered a medical emergency, according to Illinois State Police.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The crash happened at the YNOT After School Camp, located at 301 Breckenridge Road, around 3:20 p.m. on Monday.

Four young girls and an 18-year-old were killed in the crash.

Other children were taken to area hospitals, ISP said some have already been released.

ISP initially said the driver, who was the only person inside the SUV, was taken to a local hospital for evaluation but was not injured.

The driver, a 44-year-old woman, is not in custody and has not faced any charges, ISP said.

On Thursday, ISP said investigators found a possibility that the driver could have experienced a medical emergency leading to the deadly crash.

ISP said the driver tested negative for alcohol and control substances.

The four victims were identified by the Sangamon County coroner as Ainsley Johnson, 8, of Chatham; Kathryn Corley, 7, of Chatham; Alma Buhnerkempe, 7, of Chatham and 18-year-old Rylee Britton of Springfield.

Governor JB Pritzker ordered flags at half-staff to honor the victims until the sunset of Saturday, May 3.

The driver formerly worked for the Illinois State Police, the agency investigating the crash. She worked at the ISP from June 2006 to August 2018, an ISP spokesman confirmed Tuesday.

Capitol News Illinois contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like

Possible 1884 shipwreck exposed by nor'easter on Nantucket: "It's still there"

Possible 1884 Shipwreck Remains Exposed by Nor’easter on Nantucket

A maritime specialist was expected to visit a Nantucket beach Monday to…
WATCH: NYPD bodycam captures tense standoff after Bank of America exec fatally stabbed in Times Square

NYPD Bodycam Shows Standoff After Fatal Bank of America Exec Stabbing

Newly released NYPD body camera video captures officers urging Pamela Cisneros to…
Mamdani’s 'influencer army' plot secret attacks on NYC CEOs

Zohran Mamdani’s ‘Influencer Army’ Plans Secret Attacks on NYC CEOs

Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s senior advisers are reportedly developing a coordinated campaign targeting…
Nancy Guthrie cops investigate 'new possible ransom note' almost eight months on from her disappearance

Police Investigate Possible New Ransom Note in Nancy Guthrie Case

Authorities in Arizona are examining what they describe as a new, potentially…
Navy helicopter rescues 3 hikers lost in Big Sur’s Limekiln State Park

Navy Helicopter Rescues Three Lost Hikers in Big Sur’s Limekiln State Park

Three hikers were rescued from Big Sur’s rugged backcountry during a dramatic…
‘Santa Clarita Karen’ forced to apologize as her business implodes

Santa Clarita Woman Apologizes as Business Faces Backlash

A California business owner known online as “Santa Clarita Karen” is speaking…
Workers free kittens from shredder that could have 'obliterated' them in purr-fect rescue mission

Workers Save Kittens From Shredder That Could Have Obliterated Them

A frightening ordeal ended with a purr-fect rescue. Three newborn kittens trapped…
BASE jumper who died in 700-foot cliff jump ID'd as 'free-spirited' firefighter, 27

Firefighter, 27, ID’d as BASE Jumper Killed in 700-Foot Cliff Jump

The BASE jumper who died after leaping from a 700-foot cliff in…
NASA plans unpiloted Starliner test flight after astronauts got stuck at space station in 2024

NASA Plans Uncrewed Starliner Test After 2024 ISS Stranding

NASA and Boeing are targeting December or January for the launch of…
Lone woman death row inmate Christa Pike says she's 'at peace' ahead of execution — as Tennessee gov. denies last-ditch bid for clemency

Tennessee death row inmate Christa Pike at peace after clemency denial

Christa Pike, the first woman sentenced to death in Tennessee in 200…
Dublin, California shooting: 77-year-old couple allegedly shoots, kills son-in-law, Jonathan McKinsey

77-Year-Old Dublin Couple Accused of Fatally Shooting Son-in-Law

DUBLIN, Calif. — A 40-year-old Dublin man was fatally shot Saturday afternoon…
Dennis Haskins dies: Actor who portrayed Principal Richard Belding on 'Saved by the Bell' was 75

Dennis Haskins, ‘Saved by the Bell’ Principal Richard Belding Actor, Dies at 75

LOS ANGELES — Dennis Haskins, the actor beloved for playing Principal Richard…