Body of 12-year-old train victim found by fisherman in Kansas
Share and Follow

LABETTE COUNTY, Kan. (KSNF) The body of a 12-year-old boy who was killed after being hit by a train in Kansas last week has been found.

Just after noon on Sunday, Neosho County Sheriff Greg Taylor said he was notified by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) of a possible sighting of a body on the Neosho River in Labette County.

KDWP, along with the Labette County Sheriff’s Office and several first responders, arrived at the scene near the KGE Dam, a couple of miles south of Highway 400.

The body was recovered by authorities and confirmed to be that of Kollin Showalter, 12, and was turned over to the Neosho County Coroner.

Labette County Sheriff Darren Eichinger said a fisherman found the boy’s body.

On Wednesday, Showalter and another boy, Arthur Pollreis, 16, were on a railroad bridge over the Neosho River near Erie, Kansas, when they were hit and killed by a train.

Camera footage from the train’s engine showed the two boys on the bridge, unable to outrun the oncoming train.

Shortly after the accident, authorities were able to recover the body of Pollreis but were unable to find Showalter’s body.

River conditions hinder recovery efforts

Since Wednesday afternoon, search crews had been met with difficult conditions on the Neosho River, including high water levels that are overflowing the river’s banks, a very swift current, and a lot of debris.

Despite the risks, swift water rescue and recovery teams have been in the water, systematically searching the Neosho River with boats equipped with sonar. On Friday, additional resources, including cadaver dogs, were brought in to assist.

Late Saturday, Sheriff Taylor said the search had been suspended due to the dangerous water conditions. He said the search would resume once the water receded to a normal level.

“This has been a very hard week for everyone involved. I want to express my gratitude to every first responder and our community who contributed to our recovery efforts,” said Taylor.

Memorial fund created to aid victims’ families

Arthur Pollreis, 16 (courtesy of Erie School District). Kollin Showalter, 12 (courtesy of the Showalter family).

A memorial fund for the families of the two boys has been set up at Commercial Bank in Erie.

Donations made to the “Kollin Showalter and Arthur Pollreis Fund” will be collected for one month and given to the families.

Donations can be made at any southeast Kansas Commercial Bank location.

To help those affected by this loss, the Erie School District has partnered with the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center to offer free grief counseling.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Bryan Kohberger watches from jail as judge reveals gag order decision

Bryan Kohberger Observes from Jail as Judge Announces Decision on Gag Order

From his cell in Idaho, Bryan Kohberger watched as a judge made…
What's in the Republican bill cutting $9 billion from public broadcasting and foreign aid

Contents of the Republican Bill Proposing a $9 Billion Cut from Public Broadcasting and Foreign Aid

WASHINGTON (AP) The Republican-led Congress has passed President Donald Trump’s request to…
Mercury Retrograde is coming hard for these 4 zodiac signs

Mercury Retrograde Will Challenge These 4 Zodiac Signs

Ahoy, star seeds! The second Mercury retrograde of 2025 is happening, ushering…
Nationwide 'Good Trouble' rallies set to honor John Lewis

Nationwide ‘Good Trouble’ Rallies Planned to Honor John Lewis

Protests are expected to be held along streets, at court houses and…
Superstar attorney Mark Geragos ordered to pay $100,000 in case that saw disgraced lawyer Michael Avenatti jailed

Prominent Lawyer Mark Geragos Fined $100,000 in Case Involving Jailed Attorney Michael Avenatti

Renowned lawyer Mark Geragos has been mandated to pay $100,000 in connection…
Economist at anti-Trump newspaper admits he is winning the trade war

Economist at Outspoken Newspaper Concedes Trump’s Success in Trade Negotiations

The Wall Street Journal’s leading economics correspondent has offered an unexpected evaluation…
What should Trump do about Epstein questions? MAGA has a few ideas

How should Trump handle questions about Epstein? MAGA supporters have some suggestions.

President Donald Trump is facing growing pressure, including from some of his…
Mystery deepens as body discovered during search for missing American in island paradise

American tourist confirmed dead after Turks and Caicos vacation disappearance

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A body found in…