The driver whose pickup truck struck a youth soccer gathering in Kansas, killing two people and injuring 10 others, has been released from custody without criminal charges as investigators continue working to determine what caused the crash.
Wichita police said the 34-year-old woman was released after investigators interviewed more than 30 witnesses and consulted with prosecutors. Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that no charges have been filed.
The crash happened Saturday afternoon at the Stryker Sports Complex in Kansas, where families had gathered for youth soccer activities.
Police identified the two people killed as 6-year-old Cole Adrian and 35-year-old Nicholas Schafer, both from McPherson, Kansas. They were not related and died at the scene.
Ten other people were injured, including five children: two 5-year-olds, two 8-year-old boys and a 9-year-old girl. Five adults, ranging in age from 28 to 68, were also hurt. Police said none of the reported injuries was critical.
An additional 61-year-old woman was hospitalized after experiencing medical complications unrelated to injuries from the crash, according to the report.
What Investigators Are Examining
Authorities are awaiting toxicology results and a mechanical examination of the Chevrolet pickup truck involved in the incident. Those findings could help investigators establish what happened before the vehicle drove onto the soccer field.
According to the initial report, the woman had been parked near the fields when the truck suddenly moved onto the grass, striking people gathered at the complex.
Two of her children were inside the pickup at the time of the crash, while another child was playing soccer on a different field at the venue.
Investigators interviewed the driver after speaking with witnesses, including the two children who had been in the truck. Police have not announced a final determination about the cause of the crash.
Community Mourns After the Tragedy
Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan described the incident as an unimaginable loss, saying an afternoon meant for children to play soccer and families to spend time together had ended in heartbreak.
Kansas Youth Soccer also issued a statement describing the incident as devastating.
The city canceled events at the sports complex until further notice and asked members of the public who may have photographs or video of the crash to submit them to investigators.
The driver’s release does not mean the investigation has concluded or that authorities have ruled out future charges. For now, police are continuing to examine witness accounts, toxicology findings and the truck’s mechanical condition as they work to establish what led to the deadly incident.
