5 memorial trees planted in honor of children killed in YNOT crash

CHATHAM, Ill. (WAND) - Five new trees mark five young lives lost. The YNOT Outdoors after school center in Chatham has planted trees in memory of the five children who were killed after a vehicle crashed into the building in April.

Five Armstrong Maple trees line the south sidewalk of the building along with colored hearts.

Alison Loftus and Brandy Fletcher designed, painted, and placed the hearts. Devon Loiftus and the Shiner Bock Racing Team helped place the trees set by Danny Paul of Paul Tree Farms.

The April 28 crash left five children dead and five others hurt. Illinois State Police said a 44-year-old woman drove through a building at the YNOT After School Camp. The vehicle went through a part of the building before coming to a stop on the other side.

The victims were 8-year-old Ainsley Johnson, 18-year-old Rylee Britton, 7-year-old Kathryn Corley, 7-year-old Alma Buhnerkempe, and 8-year-old Bradley Lund.

The driver was not charged, and ISP said she may have suffered a medical emergency before the crash happened. ISP did not provide what evidence led them to believe the woman had a medical episode. ISP previously said toxicology reports were negative for alcohol and controlled substances.