Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser says no charges will be filed following the April 28, 2025 crash at the YNOT after school facility in Chatham.
According to a news release from Milhiser, results from an Illinois State Police Traffic Crash Reconstruction Report, Marianne Akers, 44, of Chatham, “left the roadway and a drove through the field, (and) the Jeep maintained a speed between 38 and 40 miles per hour. During this time, Akers ‘applied 100 percent of the accelerator pedal, did not apply the brakes, and the Jeep’s Stability Control concluded that the vehicle remaining at a relatively constant speed was due to the Jeep’s Stability Control being On and Engaged.”
According to Milhiser’s office, the Jeep gained speed and collided with YNOT around 45 miles per hour. Ten children were hit inside the facility. Five of those were killed.
“There is no evidence to support an intentional or knowing act by the driver in this case,” wrote Milhiser, in a news release. “There is no evidence the driver was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or a combination. There is no evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the driver acted recklessly or negligently in driving with a known medical condition, such as seizures.”
The report indicates that Akers appeared unconscious, with her head hanging toward the steering wheel, when first responders arrived on scene. Illinois State Police’s report says “Akers showed ‘objective evidence of seizures,’ but there was no evidence to establish the cause of the seizures.”
Milhiser says Akers had a valid drivers license, but driving privileges were “cancelled,” after the incident, and they remain cancelled presently. She was treated and released from the hospital after the crash.
“Our hearts continue to break for the families impacted by this unimaginable tragedy,” said Milhiser. Thank you to the medical providers and law enforcement for their response and thorough investigation. We will continue to pray for the families and all of Chatham. This is a horrific case with lives taken and families and a community changed forever.”
In recent weeks, some families had expressed concern that they were not getting updates on the cause of the investigation.
This story may be updated.
