6 min read
Major Takeaways
A truck drove onto the fields at Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita on Saturday afternoon during a youth soccer game.
Police say a 6 year old boy and a 35 year old man were killed, and 11 other people were taken to area hospitals.
The driver, a 34 year old woman, is in custody and cooperating, and police say there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Officers have not said whether the driver acted on purpose, and the names of the victims have not been released.
A Saturday afternoon of youth soccer turned into grief and chaos in Wichita, Kansas.
At about 3:25 p.m., a vehicle drove onto the playing fields at Stryker Sports Complex while games were underway and families watched from the sidelines.
Wichita police say two people lost their lives, a 6 year old boy and a 35 year old man.
Both were from McPherson, Kansas, and they were not related to each other.
Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Eleven other people were struck and taken to hospitals, five of them children between the ages of 5 and 9.
Police say the injuries range from bruises to extremely severe injuries, but none are believed to be life threatening.
The driver was taken into custody at the scene, and the vehicle remained on the field as investigators worked.
What Police Say Happened
Sedgwick County 911 received multiple calls at about 3:25 p.m. reporting that a vehicle had driven through a soccer game.
The complex sits along North Greenwich Road in northeast Wichita and hosts youth and adult leagues and tournaments.
Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses briefed reporters at the scene on Saturday.
“The vehicle involved in this incident remained at the scene,” a department spokesperson said. “The driver of that vehicle is currently in our custody.”
Moses said there is no additional ongoing threat to the public from that driver.
He also said two juveniles were inside the vehicle when it drove through the complex.
At a briefing on Saturday evening, Moses identified the driver as a 34 year old woman from Garden City, Kansas.
Her own child was playing soccer on a different field at the complex.
Moses said she has been cooperative with investigators and remains in custody.
Police are still working to determine what happened and why, and whether charges will be filed.
Police have not said how fast the vehicle was traveling.
Officers have not yet explained how the vehicle reached the fields.
The complex is fenced, with a concrete path leading from the parking lot toward the playing area.
Witnesses Describe a Terrifying Scene
Folks who were at the games described a black pickup truck jumping the curb and driving onto the field.
One witness said the truck struck multiple people before it stopped 100 to 200 yards farther down the fields.
Two witnesses described hearing a loud noise as the truck came through.
Dozens of responders gave CPR and rendered aid right there on the grass.
Video from the scene showed police cars and ambulances filling the complex.
Young players in soccer uniforms sat together in a group on the fields while yellow tape marked off the area where the truck came to rest.
A City Responds and a Mayor Speaks
Wichita police officers, Wichita firefighters, Sedgwick County EMS crews and other area law enforcement agencies all answered the call.
Wichita Fire Chief Michael Mire said bystanders were already rendering aid when firefighters arrived.
“The community was very impressive when our firefighters arrived,” Mire said.
Police urged drivers to stay away from the area around 29th Street and Greenwich Road while crews worked.
Next door, the Kansas State High School Activities Association suspended its flag football state championship at the complex.
The third place and championship games will not resume this weekend and will be played at a later date, with new times expected to be announced on Monday.
It was the first girls flag football state championship in Kansas history, and the title game had been set for 5 p.m. Saturday.
Wichita Mayor Lily Wu said her heart is broken for the families.
“I’m heartbroken by reports of a tragic incident at Stryker Sports Complex,” the mayor said. “My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected, especially the children and families involved.”
“First responders are on the scene, and I ask everyone please avoid the area while they work,” she added. “Please keep these families in your prayers.”
Ultimate Soccer Academy released a statement of condolence for the families who lost loved ones and for everyone injured and fighting to recover.
What We Still Do Not Know
Police have not said whether the driver drove onto the field on purpose or whether this was a tragic accident.
The name of the driver has not been released, and police have not announced any charges in the case.
The names and ages of the child and the adult who were killed are being withheld while officers notify their families.
It is also not yet clear which soccer clubs were on the field at the time.
Police shared the latest details at a briefing on Saturday evening and said the investigation remains ongoing.
Urban City Podcast will update this story as soon as officials release confirmed information.
A Field That Was Built for Joy
Stryker Sports Complex is the all turf home of youth and adult soccer in Wichita, a place built for leagues and tournaments and long Saturday afternoons.
For Black families and for families of every background, places like Stryker are sacred ground.
Grandparents unfold their chairs along the fence.
Little brothers and sisters chase each other behind the goals.
Parents film every kick like it is the World Cup final.
On Saturday, that joy was shattered in seconds.
Tonight, families across Wichita are holding their babies a little tighter.
Our prayers are with the families who lost loved ones, with the injured fighting to recover, and with every child who saw what no child should ever have to see.
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