Hundreds gather for candlelit vigil for crash victims at Glenwood High School

CHATHAM, Ill. (WAND)- A candlelight vigil was held on Wednesday, to grieve the lives of Ainsley Johnson, Rylee Britton, Kathryn Corley, and Alma Buhnerkempe, who were lost in the YNOT crash that happened on Monday, April 28th.

Hundreds of people gathered in the stands of the Glenwood High School football field, coming together to mourn the tragedy as a community.

"Our hearts go out to our families who suffered the loss of a child, the injury of a child and the countless other children that experienced a significant trauma," the Ball-Chatham School District Superintendent Dr. Becca Lamon said.

Four minutes of silence were observed to honor the four girls who had passed. Phone flashlights and non-flammable candles illuminated the stands as speeches were given to support the community during this difficult time.

Dr. Lamon shares in the grief of the school and community members. She reminds everyone that they have faced challenges in the past and managed to overcome them.

Although this situation will not be easy, Dr. Lamon emphasizes that the community is "Chatham Strong." She encourages everyone to support one another during these difficult times.

"We don't need an event like this for our community to bind together," Dr. Lamon said. "So it's fortunate that we are already strong before something like this happens. So that we, in these unfortunate times that we're already ready and prepared to support each other."