Each time a patient or a medical professional enter HSHS St. John's Children Hospital, they'll walk past a new tree, planted by the front entrance. The tree is a way for everyone to remember the way the community was impacted on April 28, 2025.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - Each time a patient or a medical professional enter HSHS St. John's Children Hospital, they'll walk past a new tree, planted by the front entrance. The tree is a way for everyone to remember the way the community was impacted on April 28, 2025. 

"Here and now, we try to find a way to express our care in as meaningful a way as we can," said Jay Roszhart, president and CEO of Springfield Memorial Hospital. "As we remember Rylee, Alma, Kit Kat (Kathryn), Ainsley and Bradley. We lost five amazing young people. The brutal loss will continue to hurt our hearts, even as we celebrate all they brought to the world." 

Family members and friends attended a tree planting ceremony. They connected with staff from both HSHS St. John's and Springfield Memorial Hospital. Many of the medical professionals worked together to provide emergency care to the victims of the crash. 

"The tree brings a range of emotions," said Hillary Wernsing, director of emergency services at St. John's Hospital. "So it brings pride in our teams, pride in the first responder teams, pride in our community. But it also brings heartbreak and tragedy. We saw firsthand what these families are going through, and that is something that I wouldn't wish on anybody."

Over a hundred community members attended the memorial event. Many wore red "Chatham Strong" shirts and pins. It was a somber moment to reflect on the ways the community has changed in the last year. 

Community leaders hope the tree is one small way the community can remember what happened and how they supported each other. 

"This dogwood tree, every spring after a hard winter, it blooms with grace and quiet beauty," said Brian Brennan, president and CEO of HSHS St. John's Hospital. "It endures, just like the commitment to remembering the children we lost. Every person who walks through these doors will now pass by this tree and share that commitment." 

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