The Chatham community is grieving the heartbreaking loss of Alma Buhnerkempe, age 7, who tragically lost her life in the YNOT Outdoors After School Camp crash on Monday, April 28, 2025.
Alma was one of four children who died when a vehicle drove through the beloved after-school center. She was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving behind a devastated family, a tight-knit town, and a team of young teammates who knew her not just as a player, but as a light in their lives.
A proud member of the Sangamo United FC Queen Bees, Alma was full of energy, determination, and joy. She wore her jersey with pride and her signature smile never left the field. Her coaches and teammates will always remember her as a fearless little girl with a big heart and an even bigger kick — a player who brought warmth, spirit, and laughter to every game.
Whether on the soccer field or in the classroom, Alma’s sweet presence was magnetic. Her curiosity, kindness, and infectious giggles made her a favorite among her peers and teachers alike. She was the kind of child who saw the world with wonder, made fast friends wherever she went, and left an impression on everyone she met.
This senseless tragedy has sent waves of sorrow across Chatham, but Alma’s memory will remain a beacon of light for those who knew her. Her life, though heartbreakingly short, was filled with love, joy, and an innocence that touched everyone she encountered.
A candlelight vigil will be held on the evening of April 30 at Glenwood High School, where the community will gather to honor Alma and the three other young lives lost. A GoFundMe, created by the Glenwood Student Council, has raised tens of thousands of dollars in support of the victims’ families.
We mourn the devastating loss of a bright, beautiful soul who was taken far too soon. Our hearts are with Alma’s family, friends, teammates, and the entire Chatham community during this time of unimaginable grief.