Police in Wichita, Kansas, have identified the two people killed when a pickup truck drove onto soccer fields at a youth sports complex Saturday afternoon.
The victims were 6-year-old Cole Adrian and 35-year-old Nicholas Schafer, both from McPherson, Kansas. Police said the two were not related.
Previous coverage in the player above: Officials speak after two were killed when a vehicle drove through a youth soccer game
Ten other people were injured in the crash at Stryker Sports Complex in northeast Wichita, including five children younger than 10.
Police said Sunday that a 34-year-old woman was parked near the soccer fields before her Chevrolet pickup drove onto one of the fields, striking several children and adults.
Two of the driver’s children were inside the pickup at the time. Another of her children was playing soccer on a different field.
The crash happened around 3:25 p.m. Saturday.
Both victims died at the scene. Ten people were taken to area hospitals with injuries described as noncritical. Another person was hospitalized for medical complications unrelated to traumatic injuries.
Police interviewed more than 30 witnesses, including the two children inside the pickup.
The driver was released following interviews with investigators and consultation with the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.
No charges have been filed yet.
Police are awaiting toxicology results and a mechanical examination of the pickup as they work to determine what caused the crash.
“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,” Wichita Police Chief Joe 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.”
McPherson, Kansas, mayor Jim Loving issued this statement on Sunday afternoon:
“On Saturday afternoon, two of our own — a 6-year-old boy and a 35-year-old man — were killed at a youth soccer game in Wichita. Eleven more were taken to hospitals, several of them children.
There is nothing I can say that makes that right.
To the families who lost someone: this whole town is grieving with you, and we will stand with you for as long as it takes. To the injured and their families: we are praying for your recovery.
Thank you to the bystanders who stepped in before the first ambulance arrived, and to the first responders in Wichita and here at home. Wichita Mayor Lily Wu has reached out to express her condolences to our community, and we are grateful for her support.
In the days ahead, give these families their privacy.
McPherson Public Schools (USD 418) has communicated directly with families. Counselors and support staff will be in every building Monday.
McPherson takes care of each other. We will get through this together.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Wichita police at 316-268-4407 or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.
