WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Police are investigating after a truck drove through an east Wichita soccer field while a game was being played Saturday.
According to the Wichita Police Department, it happened around 3:30 p.m. at Stryker Sports Complex near Kansas Highway 96 and Greenwich Road.
Police said the truck hit multiple people. A 6-year-old boy and a 35-year-old man, both from McPherson, died from their injuries. The two were not related, according to WPD.
Ten other people, ranging in age from 5 to 68, were taken to hospitals with what police described as traumatic injuries. Police said all are expected to survive.
Another person was hospitalized due to a medical problem, WPD said.
KSHSAA suspends flag football championships at Stryker Sports Complex
The driver of the truck, a 34-year-old Garden City woman, remained at the scene and is in custody. Police said she has been cooperative. Two children were also in the truck, authorities said.
WPD Capt. Aaron Moses said investigators are still trying to piece together how and why this happened. Officers have interviewed more than 30 witnesses.
Police think the driver had a child playing in another game at the complex on Saturday.
Incident at Stryker Sports Complex on Oct. 17, 2026 (KSN Photo)
Incident at Stryker Sports Complex on Oct. 17, 2026 (KSN Photo)
“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.”
St. Joseph Catholic Church in McPherson was expected to hold a community prayer rosary Saturday night. The Church of the Magdalen in Wichita said it would hold a rosary 30 minutes before each Mass on Sunday.
Kansas lawmakers react to Stryker Sports Complex mass casualty
Police seeking video
Wichita police are asking the community’s help in tracking down any videos related to the incident. To share your video with investigators, click this link.
Events canceled
The Kansas State High School Activities Association posted to X, announcing that the KSHSAA flag football state championship has been suspended for the day:
“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.”
The City of Wichita also announced that all events at Stryker Sports Complex have been canceled until further notice.
Support
Comcare, Sedgwick County’s community behavioral health clinic, said it will have a Stress/Trauma Assistance Team available at Stryker early next week. The team will be in the main indoor field building from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday.
Comcare urged anyone 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 (YPJF), is offering support connections for families affected by the incident.
“Our hearts are with the families who lost loved ones, those who were injured, and everyone who witnessed this tragedy,” said Daniel Chapin, founder and president of YPJF. “We have worked to build connections and resources that can help people navigate the aftermath of traumatic events. We want families in Wichita to know they can reach out to us for help finding support and discussing what assistance may be available.”
Those interested in receiving support are asked to contact YPJF directly.
Dorothy’s Lane is also offering therapy and grief counseling to those involved or loved ones who were directly affected. Dorothy’s Lane, 359 S. Hydraulic, will be open until midnight.
Kansas leaders react
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly made the following post to Facebook:
I am closely monitoring the tragic incident that took place at the Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita this afternoon.
My condolences go out to the families of the victims, the survivors, and all those impacted by this event.
I have reached out to Mayor Wu to offer any assistance needed from the state. I am very grateful to the first responders on the scene today.”
Rep. Ron Estes, R-Kan., shared his thoughts on Facebook:
Susan and I grieve with the families who lost loved ones at Stryker Sports Complex this afternoon. We are praying for those impacted and grateful for the first responders assisting our community.”
Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach took to Facebook Saturday evening:
Heartbroken by the tragedy at the Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita. My prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected. Grateful to our first responders for their swift action.
The Wichita community is in our thoughts tonight.”
Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach
Wichita Mayor Lily Wu made the following post to Facebook:
“I’m heartbroken by reports of a tragic incident at Stryker Sports Complex. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected, especially the children and families involved.
First responders are on the scene, and I ask everyone please avoid the area while they work.
Please keep these families in your prayers. More information will be shared as it becomes available.”
Wichita Mayor Lily Wu
For more reactions, click here.
