The body of a 12-year-old boy killed by a train on Wednesday, June 18, was discovered in the Neosho River in Labette County, Kan., on Sunday, June 22.
According to local news outlet Fox 4, Neosho County Sheriff Greg Taylor confirmed that the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) notified him of a sighting of the body in the river.
KDWP, the Labette County Sheriff’s Office, and several first responders arrived at the scene near the KGE Dam, a few miles south of Highway 400, shortly after 12 p.m. local time on Sunday, according to the outlet.
According to Fox 4, Labette County Sheriff Darren Eichinger confirmed that a fisherman discovered the boy’s remains.
“This has been an extremely difficult week for everyone involved. Taylor told the news station, “I want to express my gratitude to every first responder and member of our community who helped us recover.
The body has been transported to the Neosho County Coroner’s Office, according to KWCH. The victim has been identified as Kollin Showalter. Showalter and Arthur Pollreis, 16, were walking across a railroad bridge over the Neosho River near Erie, Kan., when they were struck and killed by an oncoming train.
Pollreis’ body was found shortly after the accident, but Showalter’s body remained missing for several days. Water rescue and recovery teams used sonar-equipped boats to search the Neosho River.
On Friday, June 20, additional resources, including cadaver dogs, were deployed to assist. Search and rescue operations were temporarily halted on Saturday, June 21, due to dangerous water conditions, before being resumed and the body discovered on Sunday.
A memorial fund for the families of the two boys has been established at Commercial Bank in Erie. Donations may be made at any Kansas Commercial Bank location. Funeral arrangements for Showalter and Pollreis will be announced, according to a Facebook post from local business Parsons Livestock Auction.
Counselors will be available for the community on Monday, June 23, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Erie High School, according to Fox 4.
People contacted the Labette County Sheriff’s Office and the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office but did not receive an immediate response.
