Body of 12-year-old Kansas train victim found by fisherman

Erie, Kan. – The search for a 12-year-old boy tragically struck by a train last week came to a somber end on Sunday after his body was discovered by a fisherman in the Neosho River. The boy, identified as Kollin Showalter of Erie, had been missing since Wednesday following the incident on a railroad bridge south of the city.

The Neosho County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Kollin’s body was located and recovered from the river near the KG&E dam in Labette County. The discovery was made by a fisherman who then alerted authorities.

Kollin, along with 16-year-old Arthur Pollries of Walnut, was on the bridge over the Neosho River on Wednesday afternoon when they were struck by a Union Pacific train. Authorities reported that, based on the train’s camera footage, the two boys were unable to get off the bridge in time. Arthur’s body was recovered shortly after the incident.

An extensive search for Kollin was launched involving multiple agencies, including the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Highway Patrol, and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. The search utilized drones, helicopters, boats with sonar, and K9 units.

However, the search efforts were officially suspended on Saturday due to rising water levels and increasingly hazardous conditions in the Neosho River, which was described as swift and full of debris. At the time of the suspension, Neosho County Sheriff Greg Taylor had appealed to local fishermen and those with permission to be on the river to remain vigilant.

In a statement following the recovery, Sheriff Taylor expressed his gratitude to all the first responders and community members who assisted in the search.

The community has been deeply affected by the tragedy. A memorial fund has been established for the families of both boys at Commercial Bank in Erie. Grief counseling services have also been made available to support students and residents through the Erie School District.