Rylee Britton died after Chatham Il accident; 6 children dead in Springfield Illinois after Marianne Akers crashed into daycare

Rylee Britton died after Chatham accident. 6 children dead in Springfield Illinois after Marianne Akers crashed into daycare. A devastating tragedy has shaken the community of Chatham, Illinois, after a car driven by a local woman slammed through a daycare center, killing six children and injuring several others. Among those who passed away was 18-year-old Rylee Britton of Springfield, whose untimely death has left her family, friends, and the broader community in mourning.

Rylee Britton Chatham car accident

The incident occurred on Monday afternoon when 44-year-old Marianne Akers, a resident of Chatham, crashed her vehicle into the front of the daycare facility, drove completely through the building, and exited the other side. Witnesses described a scene of chaos and horror as emergency responders rushed to the site to attend to victims, including small children trapped under debris. According to Illinois State Police, four young girls — including two 7-year-olds, one 8-year-old, and 18-year-old Rylee Britton — were tragically killed in the crash. The victims have been identified as:

• Kathryn Corley, 7, Chatham
• Alma Buhnerkempe, 7, Chatham
• Ainsley Johnson, 8, Chatham
• Rylee Britton, 18, Springfield

Authorities also confirmed that six additional children were injured in the crash. Most were transported by ambulance to nearby medical centers, while one critically injured child had to be airlifted to a trauma center. As of Tuesday morning, one victim remained in critical condition, fighting for their life.

Who Was Rylee Britton?

Rylee Britton, only 18 years old, was a vibrant and compassionate young woman from Springfield. Described by friends and teachers as kind-hearted, responsible, and full of potential, Rylee had recently graduated from high school and had dreams of working with children. Some sources suggest she may have been volunteering or working at the daycare at the time of the accident — a cruel twist of fate given her love for nurturing and supporting young lives. Rylee’s death has devastated her family, who shared heartfelt tributes on social media, expressing their shock and sorrow. “She had the biggest heart,” wrote one family member. “She loved helping others and had so much life ahead of her.” Springfield High School released a statement Tuesday morning mourning the death of their former student and offering counseling resources to grieving classmates and staff.

Chatham and the surrounding towns are reeling from the scale of this tragedy. Candlelight vigils were quickly organized as grieving parents, neighbors, and friends gathered to honor the young lives lost. Local leaders and mental health professionals have emphasized the need for community support and healing in the days ahead. Governor JB Pritzker also released a statement extending condolences to the victims’ families and promising a full investigation into the circumstances of the crash.

The Investigation

Illinois State Police are leading the investigation into the crash. While full details have yet to be released, initial reports suggest that the driver, Marianne Akers, did not stop before entering the daycare building and showed no signs of braking. Whether the crash was the result of a medical emergency, impairment, or reckless driving is still under investigation. Akers was taken into custody at the scene and is currently undergoing evaluations. Authorities have not yet announced any formal charges but indicated that criminal charges are likely pending the results of the investigation.

The tragedy in Chatham has ignited calls for stricter traffic safety measures around schools and daycare centers. Parents and residents are urging local officials to implement barriers, speed controls, and better signage to prevent future disasters. As for Rylee Britton, her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Whether as a friend, a daughter, or a caregiver to children, Rylee’s impact was deep and lasting, and her loss is being felt far beyond Springfield. In the coming days, community members plan to establish a memorial fund in Rylee’s name to support children’s education and safety initiatives — a fitting legacy for a young woman who cared so deeply for others.