A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against the YNOT After School Camp and the city of Chatham, Illinois, following a tragic crash in April 2025 that resulted in the deaths of five children and injuries to six others.

Details of the April 2025 Crash

The incident occurred on April 28, 2025, when a vehicle driven by a 44-year-old woman left the roadway and struck the camp facility in Chatham, Illinois. Authorities believe the driver experienced a medical event, specifically a seizure, immediately before the collision.

Victims Identified in the Lawsuit

The young victims named in the lawsuit include eight-year-old Ainsley Grace Johnson, known as ‘Squirt’, seven-year-old Alma Buhnerkempe, eighteen-year-old Rylee Britton from Springfield, and seven-year-old Kathryn Corley of Chatham. Six additional children required hospitalization due to injuries sustained in the crash.

Allegations of Negligence

Attorneys announced the lawsuit on Wednesday, alleging negligence on the part of both the YNOT After School Camp and the city of Chatham. The core argument centers on the camp’s location and a lack of adequate safety measures.

Camp Location and Structure

Attorney Lance Northcut emphasized the inherent risk posed by the camp’s proximity to a roadway and the insufficient precautions taken to mitigate it. He questioned the decision to locate the camp in such a position. The lawsuit claims the camp violated Illinois state regulations prohibiting permanent youth camps within 100 feet of a highway.

Northcut further described the camp building as structurally unsound, resembling a shed constructed with flimsy materials, including a thin outer shell and basic two-by-four wood beam construction.

City of Chatham's Role

The lawsuit also alleges a systemic failure by Chatham city officials to enforce safety standards and protect the children. Specifically, the city is accused of failing to ensure adequate protective barriers were in place around the camp building.

Northcut criticized the post-crash safety improvements, describing the placement of “rocks” – rather than substantial boulders – as insufficient to stop a vehicle.

Seeking Accountability and Future Prevention

The legal team seeks to hold both the camp and the city accountable for their alleged negligence and to secure justice for the victims’ families. They hope the lawsuit will prompt a review of safety regulations for after-school programs and youth facilities throughout Illinois, preventing future tragedies.