Two killed after pickup drives onto Wichita youth soccer field

WICHITA, Kan. — Two people were killed and 10 others were injured Saturday afternoon after a pickup truck drove onto soccer fields at Stryker Sports Complex in northeast Wichita, turning a youth game into a fatal crash that is now under active investigation. Police say no charges have been filed so far and the driver was released pending toxicology testing and a mechanical inspection of the vehicle.

Wichita police identified the people who died as 6-year-old Cole Adrian and 35-year-old Nicholas Schafer, both of McPherson, Kansas. The injuries involved children and adults, and all 10 people hurt in the crash were taken to area hospitals with what authorities described as noncritical injuries. An additional woman was transported after experiencing medical complications unrelated to trauma.

The crash happened at about 3:25 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, after Sedgwick County 911 received multiple calls reporting that a vehicle had entered the soccer fields at 2999 N. Greenwich Road. According to police, a Chevrolet pickup driven by a 34-year-old woman was parked near the fields before it drove onto one of them and struck multiple people.

Witness interviews and early findings

Police said two juveniles, both children of the driver, were inside the truck when the crash occurred, and another child of hers was playing soccer on a separate field at the complex. Investigators said they interviewed more than 30 witnesses, including the two juveniles and the driver, before consulting with the Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office.

Chief Joe Sullivan said the department's investigators are still working to determine exactly what happened. He said the tragedy affected families, witnesses, first responders and others across the community, and he thanked bystanders who immediately stepped in to help before emergency crews arrived. Wichita police also said mental health support is available through Sedgwick County COMCARE and that people can call or text 988 for crisis counseling.

The investigation remains open, and police said more information will be released as it becomes available. Anyone with information about the crash has been asked to contact Wichita police or Crime Stoppers.