NEOSHO COUNTY, KS — Heartbreak Deepens as Body of 12-Year-Old Kollin Showalter Recovered Days After Tragic Train Accident
The small communities of Neosho and Labette Counties are mourning a devastating tragedy after the body of 12-year-old Kollin Showalter was recovered from the Neosho River on Sunday, June 22, following a tragic train accident that occurred on Wednesday, June 18.
Kollin and 16-year-old Arthur Pollreis were walking on a railroad bridge that crosses the Neosho River near Erie, Kansas, when they were both fatally struck by an oncoming train. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), along with multiple local agencies, confirmed that the body found near the KGE Dam on Sunday afternoon was indeed that of Kollin Showalter.
A Search Marked by Grief and Hope
After the horrifying incident on Wednesday, first responders quickly located and recovered the body of Arthur Pollreis. However, Kollin’s body was not immediately found, sparking days of anguished searching by law enforcement, emergency crews, and volunteers.
The incident was captured by camera footage from the train’s engine, which showed both boys on the bridge as the train approached. The footage tragically revealed that the boys had little to no time to escape the oncoming locomotive. The trestle’s narrow design and lack of escape routes likely contributed to the fatal outcome.
According to Neosho County Sheriff Greg Taylor, the KDWP notified his office around noon on Sunday that a body had been spotted by a fisherman in the Neosho River near the KGE Dam, a couple of miles south of Highway 400 in Labette County.
First responders from KDWP, the Labette County Sheriff’s Office, and other local agencies swiftly mobilized to the scene. The body was retrieved and later positively identified as that of young Kollin Showalter. His remains were turned over to the Neosho County Coroner for further examination.
A Devastated Community
News of the confirmation sent waves of grief across Neosho County. Families, classmates, teachers, and neighbors had held on to hope throughout the search efforts, with many joining in vigils, prayer circles, and online campaigns to support the family.
Kollin, described by loved ones as adventurous, kind-hearted, and full of energy, had a bright future ahead of him. His death—paired with the loss of 16-year-old Arthur—has left the community in profound sorrow, struggling to make sense of such a sudden and traumatic event.
Arthur, a sophomore in high school, was remembered as a compassionate young man who loved sports and had a wide circle of friends. His funeral services were held shortly after his body was recovered, and grief counselors have been made available to students and families affected by the incident.
Officials Reflect and Call for Vigilance
Sheriff Greg Taylor expressed his sorrow in a public statement, saying, “This is a tragic event that has shaken our entire county. Our hearts go out to the families of these two boys. We are thankful to the first responders, volunteers, and the community for their tireless efforts over the past few days.”
Labette County Sheriff Darren Eichinger also spoke about the difficult recovery efforts. “Thanks to a fisherman’s report and coordinated teamwork, we were finally able to bring Kollin home. Though the outcome is heartbreaking, we hope it brings a measure of closure to his family.”
Authorities have used this tragedy to emphasize the importance of railroad safety, especially for youth. They are urging parents, schools, and community groups to talk openly with children and teens about the dangers of playing or walking on active train tracks and railroad bridges.
Remembering Two Bright Lights Gone Too Soon
Plans are underway for a joint memorial event honoring both Kollin and Arthur, celebrating their lives while offering space for collective mourning. Community leaders are also discussing long-term tributes, such as safety awareness programs and scholarships in the boys’ names.
As the towns of Erie, Neosho, and Labette come together to grieve, they are reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of looking out for one another. The legacy of Kollin Showalter and Arthur Pollreis will live on through the memories of those who loved them—and in the hope that their tragedy will serve as a lesson that saves lives in the future.
If you or someone you know is affected by this tragedy, local grief counseling and support services are available through Neosho County schools, churches, and mental health providers.