After two people were struck and killed by a truck and nearly a dozen others were injured at Scheels Stryker Sports Complex on Saturday afternoon, the city of Wichita is encouraging people to keep an eye on their wellbeing and the wellbeing of others — and to reach out for mental health help if needed.
Malachi Winters, who leads Sedgwick County Comcare’s co-responder mental health program, said at a news conference that tragedies like the one that unfolded on the soccer field Saturday can trigger strong reactions
“Events like this affect far more people than those that were directly involved,” Winters said. “Whether you were there, whether you lost someone, or watched it unfold on the news.”
Two people, a 6-year-old boy from McPherson and a 35-year-old man also from McPherson, were pronounced dead at the scene after being struck by a truck. Eleven other people were hospitalized. Winters said that his team has since been in contact with family members and the kids from the teams, and will be doing some individual follow-ups with them.
Winters advised that In the coming days and weeks Wichitans and people impacted should watch for these signs in themselves and those around them:
- Trouble sleeping
- Nightmares
- Replaying what happened
- Feeling on edge
- Feeling irritable or numb
- Pulling away from family and friends
- Drinking more than usual
- Thoughts of suicide
In children, Winters said people should watch for
- Clinginess
- Acting out
- Changes in sleep
- Changes in appetite
Winters advised that people should stay connected to the people that they trust, take breaks from the news and social media and check on their neighbors.
“You don’t have to handle this alone,” Winters said.
Comcare will also have the Stress/Trauma Assistance Team at Scheels Stryker Sports Complex starting Monday, Oct. 19, through Wednesday, Oct. 21. Mental health professionals trained to help people after traumatic events will be available from 5:30 to 10 p.m. each day.
“Being at Stryker Sports Complex allows STAT to be where the kids are and make a place that may now be scary safe again,” a Facebook post from Sedgwick County Government said.
People experiencing these symptoms or a mental health crisis can call or text Comcare Crisis at 9-8-8, or call the crisis line directly at 316-660-7500. Walk-ins are also accepted at the Comcare Community Crisis Center at 635 N. Main St. Services are available regardless of ability to pay, Winters said.
The Wichita Eagle
Allison Campbell is a breaking news reporter for The Wichita Eagle and a recent graduate of Wichita State University. While at WSU, Campbell served as the news editor and editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, The Sunflower. She was also named the 2025 Kansas Collegiate Journalist of the Year.
Source: www.kansas.com
