The Kansas mother who allegedly drove her pickup truck through a youth soccer game, killing a six-year-old boy and a 35-year-old man, has been released from custody without charges. Here’s why.
The horrifying incident took place on Saturday, October 17, at the Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita, Kansas. As children and families had gathered to watch a soccer game, a truck suddenly drove onto the field.
The two people who lost their lives were identified as six-year-old Cole Adrian and 35-year-old Nicholas Schafer. At least 10 other people were injured.
Police initially took the driver, a 34-year-old mother from Garden City, Kansas, into custody after the incident. Per the NY Post, she allegedly shouted, “Oh my God, oh my God, what have I done?” after she was pulled out of the Chevrolet pickup truck by bystanders.
One of her children was reportedly inside the vehicle when it struck people on the field. Meanwhile, another was playing soccer on a different pitch at the same complex.
Anger and sadness have struck the community and the nation. On Sunday, police released the woman. Investigators are still looking into what happened.
Police are awaiting toxicology test results and will arrange a mechanical examination of the pickup truck to help determine what really happened.
Mom accused of killing two by plowing car into youth soccer game, released
As of now, authorities have not yet determined whether the incident was deliberate or accidental.
“No charges have been filed at this time, and investigators continue working to determine the circumstances that led to the crash,” the Wichita Police Department said.
The horrifying incident left, as mentioned, two people dead and at least 10 injured, including several children, including a five-year-old girl, a five-year-old boy, and a nine-year-old girl.
Both victims who died were pronounced dead at the scene, while the injured were taken to nearby hospitals.
In the aftermath, Wichita Police Department Chief Joe Sullivan praised the parents and spectators who rushed to help the victims before emergency services arrived. He also offered his condolences to the families and everyone affected by the tragedy.
“Our hearts are with the families of Adrian and Nicholas as they face an unimaginable loss,” he said, per Fox. “What should have been a day of children playing soccer and families spending time together ended in tragedy.”
Investigators calls for anyone with video to step forward
“We know this tragedy has affected many people throughout our community, and we want those families to know they are not alone,” Sullivan continued. “Our officers and investigators will continue working to understand exactly what happened.”
The police chief also praised community members who rushed to help the victims before first responders arrived.
“It was truly amazing, but I think it’s indicative of the Wichita community,” Joe Sullivan added.
Wichita Mayor Lily Wu also expressed her sorrow following the tragedy, describing herself as “heartbroken.” She urged people to stay away from the affected area while offering support to the families involved.
“My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected, especially the children and families involved,” Wu said.
Investigators are now calling for anyone who may have recorded the incident to come forward with footage that could help explain what happened. The Wichita Police Department urged people not to dismiss their recordings, even if they believe they captured little of importance.
“Regardless of how significant you believe your footage may be, we encourage you to submit it. Even the smallest detail could assist investigators,” the department said.
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this immense tragedy.
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