Wichita soccer field crash driver released without charges after two killed

The 34-year-old woman who drove a pickup truck onto a Wichita soccer field on Saturday, killing a 6-year-old boy and a 35-year-old man, was released from custody Sunday without charges as investigators await toxicology results and a mechanical examination of her Chevrolet pickup, police said.

Wichita police identified the dead as Cole Adrian, 6, and Nicholas Schafer, 35, both of McPherson, Kansas. They were not related. Five children were among the 10 people injured in the crash at Stryker Sports Complex around 3:25 p.m. Saturday.

The woman, who was initially taken into custody, had two of her children inside the pickup. Another of her children was playing soccer on a different field at the complex, according to police.

Police released the driver after interviewing more than 30 witnesses, including the children inside the truck, and after consulting with the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office. The office said police are expected to make an initial case presentation to District Attorney Marc Bennett early this week.

Investigators have not determined what caused the crash. Authorities have not confirmed whether it was intentional or whether a medical emergency, impairment or another factor was involved.

Ten injured people were taken to Ascension Via Christi and Wesley Medical Center with injuries police described Sunday 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; the injured adults ranged in age from 28 to 68. An additional 61-year-old woman was hospitalized for medical complications unrelated to traumatic injuries, bringing the total transported to 11.

At a Saturday news conference, Wichita Police Capt. Aaron Moses said the driver had a valid license, no outstanding arrest warrants and was cooperating with investigators. Police Chief Joe Sullivan said Sunday: “What should have been a day of children playing soccer and families spending time together ended in tragedy.”

Sporting Wichita Academy said the crash had shaken a soccer community built around families and teammates, thanking first responders, medical workers and bystanders who stepped in to help. The deadly crash also halted the Kansas State High School Activities Association’s inaugural girls flag football state championship on an adjacent field, which suspended play for the weekend.

Meddys, a restaurant with locations in Wichita and Salina, pledged to donate 20% of all revenue from Oct. 18 through Oct. 24 to affected families and offered free meals to immediate families of those injured for as long as their loved ones remain hospitalized. The business partnered with nonprofit Kingdom Athletics Mission to manage GoFundMe donations and its own contributions.

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

Reporting by Fox News. Read the original report: Wichita soccer field crash driver released without charges after 2 die.