Sedgwick County prosecutors have announced that no criminal charges will be filed against the driver involved in a deadly collision at a youth soccer facility in Wichita, Kansas. The decision follows a comprehensive investigation into the incident that occurred last month, which claimed the lives of a young boy and an adult father. District Attorney Marc Bennett released the findings on Thursday, concluding that the crash was the result of negligence rather than a deliberate criminal act.
The tragic event took place on October 17 at the Stryker Sports Complex. A woman, who has not been publicly identified by authorities, was operating her husband's 2021 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. While attempting to rest in the vehicle, she fell asleep. Investigators determined that her foot unintentionally pressed the gas pedal while the truck was in gear, causing the vehicle to roll off the curb and onto the playing field. The truck struck both players and spectators, resulting in the deaths of Cole Adrian, who was six years old, and Nicholas Schafer, who was 35. Ten other individuals were injured in the impact.
Bennett’s 28-page report details the timeline of the afternoon. The driver had departed from Garden City in the morning to attend her children's soccer games. After watching matches and making stops at fast-food restaurants and a business, she returned to the complex. At 2:36 p.m., she parked in a stall facing the field. She later stated that she believed she had engaged the parking brake and reclined her seat to take a nap. A child in the vicinity had placed sunshades over the windshield. Approximately forty-six minutes later, at 3:22 p.m., the truck began to move and collided with the crowd.
The investigation involved more than 100 interviews, a review of surveillance footage and cellphone video, toxicology screenings, and a full vehicle reconstruction. Autopsies performed on October 19 confirmed that both victims died from blunt trauma consistent with being struck by a moving vehicle. Toxicology results showed no evidence of impairing substances in the driver's system. Furthermore, General Motors technicians examined the truck on October 28 and found no signs of mechanical malfunction or system failure. Investigators also ruled out a medical emergency as a contributing factor.
Under Kansas law, criminal charges for such incidents typically require proof that the driver knowingly or recklessly endangered others. The district attorney’s office stated that it could not establish this level of intent. Additionally, the report noted that a single act of negligence was insufficient to support a vehicular manslaughter charge under state statutes. Therefore, the reasonable conclusion was that the driver was not criminally liable for the accident.
The families of the victims shared their memories of the deceased in public obituaries. Cole Adrian was described as a natural jokester who possessed an unmistakable vibrancy and a special gift for making friends with people of all ages. He was known for his humor and his genuine love for connecting with those around him.
Nicholas Schafer was remembered as a proud Navy veteran who served his country with honor. He had a deep passion for the outdoors and found great happiness in the beauty of nature. His family highlighted his devotion to spending time outside with his children.
The announcement marks the end of the criminal investigation into the October 17 crash. While the driver will not face the court, the release of the detailed report provides a comprehensive account of the events leading up to the collision and the subsequent forensic analysis.
