A six-year-old boy and a 35-year-old woman were killed, and 10 others were injured when a woman drove a vehicle onto the field during a youth soccer game in Wichita, Kansas. The incident occurred at the Stryker Sports Complex, prompting an ongoing investigation into the cause of this tragedy.
Victims Identified
Chris Adrian, a middle school soccer coach, expressed his heartbreak over the loss of his son, Cole, who died in the incident. In a text message reported by the New York Times, he described Cole as an incredible child who could bring joy to anyone. Adrian stated,
“"Cole was the joy and light of our community. His pure heart was open to everyone. He had the best laugh. He was a friend with everyone, young or old."
The other victim, Nicholas Schafer, was identified on Sunday. Schafer and his wife, Ashley, celebrated their 14th anniversary in May and had three children. An online fundraiser set up by friends noted that the family had suffered a tremendous loss, stating,
“"immense pain, and devastation, forever changing their futures."
Both victims were residents of McPherson, Kansas, located about an hour north of Wichita.
Incident Details
A 34-year-old woman from Garden City, Kansas, who was driving the Chevrolet pickup truck involved, was released without charges by the Wichita police department on Sunday, pending further investigation and toxicology tests. Witnesses reported that the woman’s vehicle, which contained two of her three children, suddenly drove onto the field after being parked nearby.
