Body of 12-year-old train victim found by fisherman in Kansas
Share this @internewscast.com

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 this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

The White House Unveils Trade Agreement with the EU

(The Hill) — The White House on Thursday announced a highly anticipated…

Texas Representative Prioritizes Flood Response After Staying Overnight at Capitol

Democratic state Representative Nicole Collier has spent the past two nights sleeping…

Leaked Information Reveals JD Vance and Pam Bondi’s Favorite Music Choices

() A website called Panama Playlists says it’s found the Spotify accounts…

Filings Reveal Trump Has Invested Over $100 Million in Bonds Since January

Since commencing his second term in January, President Trump has acquired bonds…

New Report Suggests Sighting of Missing 7-Month-Old Emmanuel Haro

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department confirmed Wednesday morning that they are…

Texas Legislator Files Lawsuit After Spending Night in House Chamber, Opposing DPS Oversight

AUSTIN (KXAN) A Texas legislator who spent the night in the Texas…

Court Orders Issued for Emmanuel Haro’s Parents’ Phone Records; Fire Considered Unrelated Incident.

Warrants have been issued to access the cellphones of Emmanuel Haro’s parents…

Excavation Work on Phillippi Creek Underway as Residents Recall Flooding from Tropical Storm Debby

SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Many residents are closely watching the tropics,…

Mystery of Missing Infant: Authorities Seize Vehicle Linked to Emmanuel Haro’s Father

As the probe into the disappearance of 7-month-old Emmanuel Haro progresses, investigators…

US Marshals Increase Rewards for Tips as Arrest Numbers Rise in DC

The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a $500 reward for tips that…

Man Sentenced to 22 Years for Series of BB Gun Robberies

A man from Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been handed a 22-year prison…

Savannah Police Detain Suspect, Sparking Allegations of Excessive Force

Editor’s note: Details of the story may be disturbing to some readers.…