Mayor Jim Loving says the McPherson community is grieving after two residents were killed in Wichita.
In a statement Saturday evening, Loving extended thoughts and prayers to the victims’ families, those injured, and everyone affected.
Authorities identify the victims as 6-year-old Cole Adrian and 35-year-old Nicholas Schafer, both from McPherson, were killed when a pickup truck drove through a youth soccer game at a Wichita sports complex.
Police say there were not related. In all, 11 people were taken to hospitals, including 10 with traumatic injuries ranging from bruises to severe but believed to be non-life-threatening.
The driver, a woman from Garden City has been released from custody. Investigators are reviewing evidence to determine whether charges will be filed.
Full Statement:
On Saturday afternoon, two of our own — a 6-year-old boy and a 35-year-old man — were killed at a youth soccer game in Wichita. Eleven more were taken to hospitals, several of them children.
There is nothing I can say that makes that right.
To the families who lost someone: this whole town is grieving with you, and we will stand with you for as long as it takes. To the injured and their families: we are praying for your recovery.
Thank you to the bystanders who stepped in before the first ambulance arrived, and to the first responders in Wichita and here at home. Wichita Mayor Lily Wu has reached out to express her condolences to our community, and we are grateful for her support.
In the days ahead, give these families their privacy.
McPherson Public Schools (USD 418) has communicated directly with families. Counselors and support staff will be in every building Monday.
McPherson takes care of each other. We will get through this together.
— Jim Loving, Mayor
