SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois State Police said the woman who drove through a group of children leaving four dead and six others hurt in Chatham on Monday may have suffered a medical emergency before the crash.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said Thursday that toxicology results came back negative for alcohol and controlled substances. 

ISP previously identified the driver as a resident of Chatham. Kelly said the driver provided blood and urine immediately afterwards at a hospital. WAND News previously learned the driver was a former office assistant with ISP for nearly 12 years. She left the agency in 2018. 

Kelly wouldn't give specifics but said there is "some evidence" to believe the crash maybe have been caused by a medical emergency. ISP is still investigating the crash. 

When questioned as to why the name of the driver was released before any charges were filed, Kelly said that "the name was already out there in open sources," and that confirming it was not providing any information that wasn't already available.

The car, which went through one side of the YNOT building and out the other, traveled around 1,300 feet, according to police. Kelly said ISP was analyzing the car's black box for additional information.

Kelly emphasized that the agency was "working as fast as we can," and said that all information will be turned over to Sangamon State's Attorney John Milhiser for review after the investigation has finished.

Copyright 2025. WAND TV. All rights reserved.