A crowd estimated at 3,000 gathered on Wednesday evening at Glenwood High School’s football stadium for support and to remember four students killed Monday afternoon in a crash at YNOT Outdoors in Chatham as after-school activities were beginning.
Eight-year-old Ainsley Johnson of Chatham, 18-year-old Rylee Britton of Springfield, 7-year-old Kathryn Corley of Chatham and 7-year-old Alma Buhnerkempe of Chatham died in the crash.
Rylee’s parents Christine and Zac Britton thanked the large gathering.
Two of the six students injured in the crash have been released from the hospital. Chatham Village President Dave Kimsey said the community demonstrated Chatham Strong.
Ball-Chatham School Superintendent Dr. Becca Lamon said before the vigil that the focus on the remainder of the term will be on the social and emotional well-being of students and staff. Lamon said while the community is strong, recovery will likely take a long time.
Ball-Chatham schools continue e-learning today, and all athletic and extracurricular activities are cancelled. In-person attendance resumes on Friday.
Chatham Vigil (Credit: Facebook)
Ball-Chatham School Superintendent Dr. Becca Lamon (Credit: Facebook)
