Wichita Soccer Field Crash: Woman Who Killed 2 People and Injured 11 Was Apparently Asleep, DA Says
A tragic incident at a soccer complex in Wichita, Kansas, that killed two people and injured 11 others will not result in criminal charges against the driver, authorities announced Thursday. Investigators determined that the woman was apparently asleep when her truck moved onto the soccer field and struck players and spectators.
The October 17 incident at Stryker Sports Complex shocked the local community, particularly because children were among those affected. After weeks of investigation, officials said they found no evidence that the driver intentionally caused the crash.
Two People Killed and 11 Injured in Wichita Soccer Field Crash
The victims were identified as Cole Adrian, 6, and Nicholas Schafer, 35. Both died after the truck entered the field and struck several people.
According to Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan and Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett, investigators reviewed surveillance footage, conducted interviews and examined the vehicle to understand what happened.
The investigation found:
- Two people died in the incident.
- Eleven others suffered injuries.
- Children were among those struck by the truck.
- The driver was attending one of her children’s soccer games.
- Authorities found no evidence of intentional wrongdoing.
How Did the Truck Move Onto the Soccer Field?
Investigators said the woman traveled more than 200 miles from her home in Garden City, Kansas, to attend soccer matches with her children.
She arrived at the complex around 10:40 a.m. and later left for lunch and errands. She returned around 2:20 p.m. and parked near one of the fields.
According to the district attorney, she reclined her driver’s seat to take a nap. Her daughter also placed sunshields over the windshield.
Authorities could not establish whether the truck was left in park or remained in drive before it moved.
| Investigation Detail | Findings |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | October 17 |
| Location | Stryker Sports Complex, Wichita |
| Fatalities | 2 |
| Injured | 11 |
| Driver’s Condition | Apparently asleep |
| Criminal Charges | None planned |
Why Is the Driver Not Facing Criminal Charges?
Investigators said medical examinations and blood tests found no evidence that the woman was under the influence or experiencing a medical emergency.
A forensic examination also found no mechanical malfunction that could explain the crash.
District Attorney Marc Bennett explained the decision during Thursday’s news conference:
“As bad as this was, it is not a crime.”
He said the evidence did not establish that the woman intentionally drove the truck onto the field.
Authorities also explained that the vehicle could remain against a seven-inch curb even if left in drive, but applying the accelerator could allow it to move over the curb.
What Happens Next?
Although criminal charges will not be filed, Bennett said the matter could be addressed through a civil negligence process.
Police Chief Sullivan also said he had met with victims’ families to explain the investigation’s findings. Officials emphasized that the investigation was thorough and based on available evidence.
Final Thoughts
The Wichita soccer field tragedy has left two families grieving and many others recovering from injuries. While authorities have concluded that criminal charges are not supported by the evidence, questions surrounding the incident may continue through civil proceedings.
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