The McPherson community gathered for a chance to say goodbye to 6-year-old Cole Adrian – and come along side his family and friends at a memorial service at the McPherson Free Methodist Church on Monday.
A video and slide presentation gave those in the church and watching online a chance to see the many activities, smiles and joy Cole freely shared with others. It was evident, Cole loved soccer too, just like his dad, Chris Adrian the longtime head coach for the McPherson Bullpups.
Cole’s parents, Chris and Natalie Adrian held hands while Chris thanked the community for the outpouring of love and support they have seen and felt over the past nine days. “There’s one thing that brings us comfort,” Chris told the gathering through his tears.
“That’s last week – Cole ran through those gates of heaven just like we’ve seen him run across that soccer field so many times. I can see him running, full speed. Wrapping his arms around Jesus and giving him one of those famous squeeze hugs.”
“Saying those words we were so lucky to hear, so many times, best day ever.”
Chris also reflected on seeing a double rainbow over McPherson last week and how it stood out as a reminder and a promise that his son Cole and Nick Schafer are in heaven together. “And that someday we will see them again,” he said.
Cole and 35-year-old Nick Schafer were both killed October 17th in a tragic crash at the Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita after a pickup struck them and injured eleven others. The Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office has not filed charges against the driver and continues to gather evidence in the case.
