NEOSHO COUNTY — The search continues for the body of one of two boys who died after struck by a train on a river bridge Wednesday in Neosho County.
Another combined effort Saturday was unsuccessful in finding the body of a 12-year-old Kollin Showwalter of Erie, according to Sheriff Greg Taylor.
Over the last few days, first responders have utilized drones, planes, helicopters, boats, sonar systems, divers, law enforcement K9’s, cadaver dogs, and shoreline search crews.
This has been a disheartening experience for all involved, according to Sheriff Taylor. Saturday, the water began to rise and the current increased in the late afternoon. Searchers are suspending the search until the water can drop to a normal level.
The sheriff thanked all of the first responders and dog handlers, some of which traveled across the state to get to assist. The sheriff also thanked the property owner who was kind enough to allow us to stage and deploy from his boat ramp and property.
"We had an overwhelming amount of support and donations from the community of food and water for the responders. Our thoughts and prayers are with both families of this tragedy. We are still hopeful that the child will be found once the river drops to a favorable level. "
Just after 12:30p.m. Wednesday the Neosho County 911 Center received a report from the Union Pacific Railroad that two individuals had been struck on the Railroad Bridge south of Erie near 115th Road, according to Neosho County Sheriff Greg Taylor.
First responders found 16-year-old Arthur Pollries of Walnut, Kansas, deceased, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.
Kansas Deparatment of Wildlife and Parks responded with personnel, a drone and boat. KHP sent numerous personnel, helicopter, and search dogs in an attempt to find the body of the 12-year-old.
After reviewing the Engine Camera footage and physical evidence, the two children were on the bridge and unable to outrun the train. Unfortunately after reviewing the footage and physical evidence at the scene, the search went from hopeful rescue effort to a recovery effort.