A 34-year-old woman who was driving a pickup that struck people at a Wichita soccer complex was released without charges Sunday as police continued investigating the crash. Authorities said they are awaiting toxicology results and an examination of the vehicle before determining what led it to leave a parking space and enter the field.
The crash happened at about 3:25 p.m. Saturday at Stryker Sports Complex in northeast Wichita. Police identified the two people killed as Cole Adrian, 6, and Nicholas Schafer, 35, both residents of McPherson, Kansas. Authorities said the victims were not related.
Ten people were taken to Ascension Via Christi and Wesley Medical Center with injuries police described as noncritical. The injured included five children: a 5-year-old girl, a 5-year-old boy, two boys aged 8 and a 9-year-old girl. The five injured adults ranged in age from 28 to 68. Police also reported that a 61-year-old woman was hospitalized for medical complications not caused by traumatic injuries, bringing the total transported to 11.
Police said the driver had two children in the pickup, while another of her children was playing soccer on a different field at the complex. She was initially taken into custody. Her release came after investigators interviewed more than 30 witnesses, including the children who were in the vehicle, and consulted with the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.
Authorities have not said whether the crash was intentional or whether a medical issue, impairment or another cause played a role. Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan said investigators understand what occurred but are still working to establish why. At a Saturday news conference, Police Capt. Aaron Moses said the driver had a valid license, no outstanding arrest warrants and was cooperating.
The district attorney’s office said police were expected to make an initial presentation of the case to District Attorney Marc Bennett early in the week. The office said it would provide information as appropriate after reviewing the case. No charges had been announced in the information available Sunday.
Emergency crews responded to the complex, where bystanders had also helped people who were hurt. Sullivan expressed condolences to the victims’ families and those injured, and acknowledged the effect on witnesses and the wider community.
Sporting Wichita Academy said the incident had deeply affected the local soccer community and thanked first responders, medical staff and people who assisted at the scene. The crash also interrupted the Kansas State High School Activities Association’s inaugural girls flag football state championship, being held on an adjacent field. The association suspended the event and said games would not continue that weekend.
Local restaurant operator Meddys announced that 20% of revenue from its Wichita and Salina locations between Oct. 18 and Oct. 24 would go to families affected by the crash. It also offered meals to immediate family members of injured people while their loved ones remain hospitalized. The business partnered with Kingdom Athletics Mission to receive and distribute donations, including contributions made through GoFundMe campaigns.
Police asked anyone with information about the crash to contact investigators at 316-268-4407. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.
