No charges filed against driver who killed 2, injured 10 at Kansas sports complex, police say
By KAKE News Staff
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WICHITA, Kansas (KAKE) — Wichita police say the driver of the truck that hit 12 people, killing two, during a Wichita soccer game on Saturday has been released.
Cole Adrian, 6, and Nicholas Schafer, 35, both from McPherson, were killed, and 10 others were injured after a woman driving a truck plowed into a Wichita soccer field at Stryker Sports Complex on Saturday afternoon.
Captain Aaron Moses with the Wichita Police Department said that around 3:30 p.m., a vehicle drove through a soccer game at 29th and Greenwich in northeast Wichita.
Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan expressed his condolences to the families and everyone affected by the tragedy.
“Our hearts are with the families of Adrian and Nicholas as they face an unimaginable loss. What should have been a day of children playing soccer and families spending time together ended in tragedy,” Sullivan said. “We are also thinking about those who were injured, their loved ones and everyone who witnessed what happened. We know this tragedy has affected many people throughout our community, and we want those families to know they are not alone. Our officers and investigators will continue working to understand exactly what happened.”
Police say 10 people were hospitalized with injuries. The two people pronounced dead at the scene were two unrelated people from McPherson.
The 34-year-old driver was released pending toxicology results and a mechanical examination of the vehicle, according to a press release WPD sent Sunday.
No charges have been filed at this time and investigators continue working to determine the circumstances that led to the crash.
Moses says 10 of the 11 taken to the hospital had traumatic injuries, including: a 5-year-old girl, a 5-year-old boy, two 8-year-old boys, a 9-year-old girl, a 28-year-old woman, a 32-year-old man, a 59-year-old woman, a 65-year-old woman, and a 68-year-old man.
A 61-year-old woman was also taken to the hospital with non-traumatic injuries. Police believe all injuries to be non-life-threatening.
The driver of the truck involved in the incident remained at the scene, and the driver is in custody, Moses said. She was later said to be a 34-year-old woman from Garden City. Her name was not released. Two children were inside the vehicle at the time of the crash, he added.
Moses said police believe the woman had a child playing soccer at the complex, but not on the field she drove into.
“This is a tragedy,” Moses said.
Wichita police are asking anyone with photos or videos related to the incident to send them here.
Multiple surrounding agencies responded to the scene.
There is no additional threat to the public, Moses said.
Mayor Lily Wu asked those affected to contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
“Tonight, Wichita grieves together,” she said in a press conference.
The City of Wichita says further updates will be shared as soon as information becomes available, and all events are canceled until further notice.
“We ask that you keep all individuals and families affected in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” the city said on social media.
Sedgwick County Government also asks those in distress to call COMCARE’s 24-hour crisis hotline: 316-660-7500 or 988.
“Sedgwick County COMCARE will have the Stress/Trauma Assistance Team (STAT) at Stryker Sports Complex starting Monday, Oct. 19 through Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 5:30 – 10 p.m. The STAT will be located in the main indoor field building. The team consists of mental health professionals who are trained to help children, adolescents, adults and families following a disaster or traumatic event. Being at Stryker Sports Complex allows STAT to be where the kids are and make a place that may now be scary safe again.”
The Kansas State High School Activities Association said the incident occurred in a field adjacent to the flag football competition at the complex.
“Given the nature of the emergency, we felt it was best to suspend the flag football third place and championship games until a later date. Details will be announced Monday,” KSHSAA wrote in a social media post.
From Sunday, October 18, through Saturday, October 24, Meddys is also donating 20% of revenue from its Wichita and Salina locations to families affected by Saturday’s tragedy at Stryker Sports Complex. Meddys will also provide free meals to the immediate families of those injured for as long as they stay in the hospital. Reach out to guestsupport@meddys.com to arrange the meals.
The City of McPherson wrote in a statement:
“Our hearts are heavy tonight for community members affected by today’s tragic events in Wichita.
“We are holding their families, friends, and loved ones close in our thoughts during an incredibly difficult time. Our community is hurting, and we stand together, and in support.
“We ask everyone to practice endless kindness, and to respect the privacy of those affected.
“We also extend a sincere appreciation for officials in Wichita for responding to a tragic situation with professionalism and dedication.
“Stay strong McPherson. Be there & be kind.”
Sen. Roger Marshall condemned “the actions that have taken innocent lives and injured others.”
“Though details are still emerging, we are horrified by the recent events at the Stryker Sports Complex. We condemn the actions that have taken innocent lives and injured others. Our prayers are with the victims and their families,” he wrote.
Sen. Jerry Moran said he is grateful to the first responders who quickly responded to the incident.
“Saddened to hear of the tragic loss of life in Wichita today at a local sporting event. I’m grateful to the first responders who quickly responded and everyone who jumped into action to help save lives,” Moran wrote. “While the investigation is ongoing, the Wichita Police Department has requested help from witnesses who might have video to aid in their investigation.”
“I’m heartbroken by reports of a tragic incident at Stryker Sports Complex. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected, especially the children and families involved,” Mayor Lily Wu said in a social media post.
Cindy Holscher, who is running for Kansas governor, is asking Kansans to keep the community in their hearts in the days ahead.
“Our hearts are breaking for the families in Wichita tonight, where an ordinary Saturday afternoon turned into an unimaginable tragedy. I’m praying for the families who lost loved ones, and for everyone involved. I’m deeply grateful to the police officers, firefighters, and EMS crews who rushed to help,” she wrote.
Ty Masterson, running against Holscher, said in a statement: “We are aware of the tragic situation unfolding in Wichita and we are asking all of you for prayers for those impacted and their families, as well as first responders.”
Former Wichita mayor Brandon Whipple said he is heartbroken after hearing news of the incident.
“As a father, it’s difficult to even imagine the pain these families are experiencing. What should have been a Saturday afternoon of kids playing soccer and families cheering them on has turned into an unimaginable tragedy,” he said.
U.S. Soccer said in a statement:
“We are heartbroken by the tragedy at a youth soccer game in Wichita, Kansas. Our deepest condolences go out to the families who lost loved ones, and our thoughts are with those injured and everyone impacted.
“We are grateful to the community members and first responders who cared for the injured. The entire U.S. Soccer family stands with the soccer communities in Wichita and across Kansas during this incredibly difficult time.
“We will work closely with Kansas Youth Soccer to understand how we can best support the community in the days and weeks ahead.”
Dorothy’s Lane, a social service agency at 359 South Hydraulic, said it would be open until midnight for those directly affected.
“Dorothy’s Lane/Tree of Life Care LLC will be open until Midnight should those involved or have loved ones DIRECTLY [A]FFECTED by this that are in need to speak with someone we will have our Therapist and Grief Counselor available. We would love to speak with you or your loved ones should you need it during this time.”
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