WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
  • A truck driver drove through a soccer field during a Saturday game at Wichita’s Stryker Sports Complex.
  • A boy, age 6, and a man, 35, died, while 10 others suffered traumatic injuries and were expected to survive.
  • The driver remained at the scene, cooperated with police, and was taken into custody as investigators interviewed more than 30 witnesses.
  • Wichita canceled events at the complex, while churches, counselors, and community organizations offered prayers and support.

Wichita police are investigating a deadly incident at Stryker Sports Complex after a truck drove through an east Wichita soccer field during a game Saturday. The collision killed two people and sent multiple others to hospitals, turning an afternoon of youth sports into a community tragedy.

According to the Wichita Police Department, the incident happened around 3:30 p.m. at the complex near Kansas Highway 96 and Greenwich Road. Police said the truck struck multiple people who were at the field.

A boy, age 6, and a man, 35, died from their injuries. Both victims were from McPherson, but the Wichita Police Department said they were not related.

Ten other people, ranging in age from 5 to 68, were taken to hospitals with injuries that police described as traumatic. Authorities said all 10 were expected to survive, while another person was hospitalized because of a medical problem.

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The truck’s driver, a 34-year-old Garden City woman, remained at the scene and was taken into custody. Police said she has been cooperative with investigators, and authorities said two children were also inside the truck.

Wichita Police Department Capt. Aaron Moses said investigators are still working to determine how and why the incident happened. Officers have interviewed more than 30 witnesses as they piece together what unfolded on the field.

Police believe the driver had a child playing in another game at the complex Saturday. A witness told KSN that a corner kick was happening on the opposite side of the field, leaving people focused away from the approaching truck.

One man told KSN that he helped open the truck’s door and press the brake to stop the vehicle. Another witness said someone who had been struck by the truck passed out in her arms.

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“Today is a heartbreaking day for Wichita,” Mayor Lily Wu said. “Families came to Stryker Sports Complex to enjoy a Saturday afternoon watching their children play soccer. No one could have imagined the tragedy that would unfold.”

Police Chief Joe Sullivan and Fire Chief Michael Mire praised the bystanders who rushed to provide first aid to injured people. “It was truly amazing, but I think it’s indicative of the Wichita community,” Sullivan said.

The City of Wichita canceled all events at Stryker Sports Complex until further notice. The Kansas State High School Activities Association also suspended its flag football state championship after the emergency on the adjacent field.

“Play has been suspended for the day at the KSHSAA flag football state championship due to an emergency situation on an adjacent field at Wichita’s Stryker Complex. Games will not resume this weekend, but a later announcement will be made with updated game times.”

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Churches in Wichita and McPherson organized prayers following the tragedy. St. Joseph Catholic Church in McPherson was expected to hold a community prayer rosary Saturday night, while the Church of the Magdalen in Wichita planned rosaries before each Sunday Mass.

Comcare, Sedgwick County’s community behavioral health clinic, said a Stress/Trauma Assistance Team would be available at Stryker early the following week. The team was scheduled to be in the main indoor field building from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday.

Comcare encouraged people in distress to call its 24-hour crisis line at 316-660-7500 or 988. The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation, also known as The Uvalde Foundation For Kids, also offered support connections for affected families.

Dorothy’s Lane offered therapy and grief counseling to people directly involved, along with their loved ones. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, Rep. Ron Estes, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach and Mayor Wu offered condolences, prayers and thanks to first responders.

Wichita police asked the public to provide investigators with any video connected to the incident. As authorities continued interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence, the investigation remained focused on determining how and why the truck entered the field.

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