Driver Released Without Charges After Pickup Kills 2 on Kansas Soccer Field

The driver of a pickup truck that plowed onto a Kansas soccer field, killing a 6-year-old boy and a 35-year-old man, has been released without charges as investigators work to determine the cause of the tragedy. Wichita police announced Sunday that the 34-year-old woman was released pending toxicology results and a mechanical examination of her Chevrolet pickup.

Cole Adrian, 6, and Nicholas Schafer, 35, both of McPherson, Kansas, were identified as the victims. Five children were among the 10 people injured when the truck drove from a parking space onto a field at Stryker Sports Complex around 3:25 p.m. on Saturday. The driver had two of her own children inside the pickup, and another child was playing soccer on a different field at the complex.

The release followed interviews with more than 30 witnesses, including the children inside the truck, and consultation with the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office. Investigators have not determined what caused the deadly crash, and authorities have not confirmed whether it was intentional or if a medical emergency, impairment, or another factor was involved.

The district attorney’s office stated that police are expected to present an initial case review early this week. The crash sent emergency crews to the complex, where bystanders had already begun assisting the injured. Adrian and Schafer died at the scene despite lifesaving efforts.

Ten individuals were transported to Ascension Via Christi and Wesley Medical Center with injuries described by police as noncritical. The injured children included a 5-year-old girl, a 5-year-old boy, two 8-year-old boys, and a 9-year-old girl. Five injured adults ranged in age from 28 to 68. An additional woman, 61, was hospitalized for medical complications unrelated to traumatic injuries, bringing the total number transported to 11.

Sporting Wichita Academy released a statement describing the tragedy as a blow to a soccer community built around families and teammates, thanking first responders, medical workers, and bystanders who assisted. The academy expressed that the community is hurting and must lean on one another.

A local restaurant, Meddys, has pledged to donate 20% of all revenue from its Wichita and Salina locations from October 18 through October 24 to families affected by the incident. The business also offered free meals to the immediate families of those injured for the duration of their loved ones' hospitalization. Meddys partnered with the nonprofit Kingdom Athletics Mission to manage donations and its own contributions.

Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan offered condolences, stating that what should have been a day of children playing soccer ended in tragedy. He also acknowledged those injured, their loved ones, and witnesses, assuring affected families they are not alone.

The crash also halted the Kansas State High School Activities Association’s inaugural girls flag football state championship, which was being held on an adjacent field. Play was suspended and did not resume that weekend.

At a Saturday news conference, Wichita Police Capt. Aaron Moses stated the driver had a valid license, no outstanding warrants, and was cooperating with investigators. Sullivan emphasized that while the sequence of events is known, the investigation is focused on understanding the cause.

Police are requesting anyone with information to contact investigators at 316-268-4407 or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.