McPherson

What happened

• At 3:25 p.m. Saturday, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications began receiving reports of a vehicle that had driven through a youth soccer game at Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita.
• First responders found the scene on a field at the west end of the complex. Bystanders were already giving medical aid to the injured.
• A pickup truck was found on the west side of the field. It traveled east to west. Some of the fields at the complex are fenced.

The deceased

• Two people were pronounced dead at the scene: a 6-year-old boy and a 35-year-old man, both from McPherson. Police said they are not related.
• Police believe the child was playing on the field at the time but could not confirm it.

The injured

• Sedgwick County EMS took 11 people to area hospitals.
• Ten had traumatic injuries ranging from bruises to severe. Police believe none are life-threatening.
  • Five children: a 5-year-old girl, a 5-year-old boy, two 8-year-old boys and a 9-year-old girl
  • Five adults: a 28-year-old woman, a 32-year-old man, a 59-year-old woman, a 65-year-old woman and a 68-year-old man
• A 61-year-old woman was also taken to a hospital for a non-traumatic medical issue.

The driver

• A woman from Garden City. Two juveniles were in the truck with her.
• She stayed with the vehicle and has been cooperative. She is in police custody.
• She had no warrants and a valid driver's license.
• Police believe she had a child playing soccer at the complex, but not on that field.
• No cause has been determined. Police would not comment on whether a medical episode was involved.

Investigation

• Investigators interviewed more than 30 witnesses at the scene and more by phone, and are at the hospitals.
• Crime scene investigators and the critical accident team are processing the scene. No estimate on when the complex will reopen.
• The complex has surveillance video and is cooperating.
• Detectives will review surveillance video and public photos and video to piece together what happened, in what order, and why.
• Anyone with photos or video, even if it seems unrelated, can submit it through a link on WPD's Facebook and X pages.
• Witnesses who have not talked to police: WPD investigations 316-268-4407 or Crime Stoppers 316-267-2111 (anonymous).
• Police said WPD is the only source of verified information and asked people not to trust or react to unverified social media posts.

McPherson community response

• City of McPherson (Facebook): "Our hearts are heavy tonight for community members affected by today's tragic events in Wichita." The city asked residents to practice kindness and respect the privacy of those affected.
• McPherson City FC (Facebook) said the club had suffered an unimaginable tragedy and asked for privacy and respect for the soccer community.
• St. Joseph Catholic Church (620-241-0821) opened its doors for prayer Saturday evening.
• McPherson Police Department: "In times like this, we must lean on one another, care for one another, and remember that no one has to face this alone." Police said they will help connect anyone who needs support with resources.
• McPherson Fire Department: "Our hearts are with you, McPherson." The department urged residents to hold their loved ones close and to "offer patience, kindness, and support in the days ahead."
• McPherson EMS Director Moore: "If you are struggling, feeling overwhelmed, or simply need someone to talk to, please reach out." EMS urged residents to check on friends, neighbors and loved ones.

McPherson mental health resources

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 from anywhere to reach the nearest crisis line, 24/7.
• Prairie View, the community mental health center for McPherson County: crisis line 800-362-0180, main line 800-992-6292, 24/7.
• Prairie View McPherson office. Walk-in initial evaluations Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741.

Statement from McPherson Mayor Jim Loving

"Tonight McPherson is grieving. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost loved ones today, with those who are hurt, and with everyone who was affected. The whole community stands with these families, and we will support them in every way we can."

Additional community resources and events will be added as they become available.