WICHITA, Kansas – On Thursday, Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett and Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan briefed the community on the Oct. 17 crash at the Stryker Sports Complex that claimed the lives of six‑year‑old Cole Adrian and 35‑year‑old Nicholas Schafer and injured eleven others.
Investigation finds driver was asleep, not criminally negligent
Investigators examined vehicle forensics, surveillance footage, medical examinations and blood tests. The evidence indicated the driver, a woman who had traveled over 200 miles from Garden City to attend her children’s soccer matches, fell asleep in the truck’s seat after reclining it to a horizontal position. No drugs, alcohol or medical episode were found, and the truck showed no mechanical malfunction.
According to the DA, the driver was inside the vehicle with two of her children when the truck rolled onto the field. While she slept, her daughter placed sunshields over the windshield, further obscuring visibility. Police could not determine whether the transmission was in park or drive at the time, but a seven‑inch curb prevented the truck from moving forward unless the accelerator was pressed.
Why no criminal charges
“It is my solemn responsibility to stand before the community and say, as tragic as this was, it is not a crime,” Bennett said. He explained that criminal charges require intent or reckless disregard of the law, neither of which was supported by the facts. The DA emphasized that the matter will proceed as a civil case under a negligence standard.
Chief Sullivan met with the victims’ families to explain the findings, noting that while the conclusions cannot undo the loss, they provide a clearer picture of what happened. “Our responsibility is to tell you what the evidence shows, what it does not show, and be transparent about the difference,” he said.
Community response and next steps
The tragedy has left the Wichita community grieving. Local churches and faith‑based groups have organized prayer vigils for the families of Cole Adrian and Nicholas Schafer. Parents of the children who were playing on the field expressed relief that the investigation clarified the driver’s lack of intent, while still mourning the irreversible loss.
Legal experts note that the civil lawsuit may address compensation for the families and the injured, but the absence of criminal charges underscores the importance of thorough, fact‑based investigations. The DA’s office encouraged anyone with additional information to contact the district attorney’s office.
Key timeline
- Oct. 17, ~10:40 a.m.: Driver and children arrive at Stryker Sports Complex.
- ~1:20 p.m.: Family leaves for lunch and errands.
- ~2:20 p.m.: Family returns; driver parks near a field and reclines seat.
- ~2:45 p.m.: Truck rolls onto field while driver sleeps, striking players and spectators.
The investigation remains open for any further evidence, but the district attorney’s office has concluded that criminal prosecution is not warranted.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
