Prosecutors in Kansas announced Thursday that a 34-year-old woman will not face criminal charges after her pickup truck accelerated onto a soccer field last month, killing two people and injuring 10 others.
The Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett stated at a news conference that investigators found no evidence of an intentional crime, concluding the incident resulted from negligence rather than deliberate action. Bennett emphasized that while the outcome was tragic, the available evidence did not meet the legal threshold for prosecution under Kansas law.
Core details of the incident
On October 17, the woman arrived at the Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita around 2:36 p.m. to attend her children’s soccer games. She parked her 2021 Chevrolet Silverado, reclined the driver’s seat, and attempted to nap. One child left the vehicle to play in a game, while another placed sunshades over the windshield. At approximately 3:22 p.m., the truck allegedly moved forward, jumped a seven-inch curb, and plowed onto the soccer field, striking spectators and players.
The collision killed 6-year-old Adrian Cole and 35-year-old Nicholas Schafer, both of McPherson, Kansas. Ten others, ranging in age from 5 to 68, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to local hospitals.
Official statements and investigation findings
Bennett released a 28-page report detailing the investigation, which included interviews with the driver, her two children, and more than 100 witnesses. Toxicology tests and a mechanical examination of the truck found no impairment or mechanical defects. The report concluded that the driver likely unintentionally pressed the gas pedal while asleep, though investigators could not determine whether the vehicle was in park or drive at the time.
Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan described the driver as hysterical and cooperative after the crash, repeatedly apologizing. Sullivan noted that the investigation was thorough, though some questions—such as whether the truck was properly parked—may never be answered with certainty.
Community and legal implications
Bennett and Sullivan framed the incident as a tragedy that has shaken the community, acknowledging the profound loss while emphasizing the legal constraints in pursuing charges. Bennett stated, “If I could charge this, I would,” but clarified that the law did not support criminal liability in this case.
The victims’ families have not publicly commented on the decision. The incident has prompted discussions about vehicle safety mechanisms and the challenges of prosecuting unintentional acts resulting in harm.
Timeline of key events
- October 17, 7:00 a.m.: Driver departs Garden City, Kansas, in her husband’s truck.
- 10:40 a.m.–2:30 p.m.: Arrives at Stryker Sports Complex; attends children’s games.
- 2:36 p.m.: Parks in a stall, reclines seat, and attempts to nap.
- 3:22 p.m.: Truck moves onto the soccer field, killing two and injuring 10.
- October 19: Autopsies confirm victims died from blunt trauma consistent with being struck by a vehicle.
- October 28: General Motors technicians examine the truck; no mechanical issues found.