NEOSHO COUNTY — The search continues for the body one of two boys who died after struck by a train on a river bridge Wednesday in Neosho County.
Early Friday, officials determined the Neosho River had dropped approximately 10 feet, according to Neosho County Sheriff Greg Taylor.
A large contingent of first responders assisted with the search for the body of 12-year-old Kollin Showwalter of Erie. Search crews were able to use cadaver dogs. The sheriff believes the river may drop another 5 feet and authorities will resume the search Saturday.
The Neosho River is private property and the law requires anyone on the river to have permission from the landowners on both sides of the river, according to the sheriff. "I know we have a large contingent of river fishermen who have such permission for certain stretches of the river. No doubt many of these fishermen will be out enjoying their usual fishing holes on their Saturday off work."
"If any of the fisherman happen to see something while enjoying your normal activities, please call and we will get a first responder to your location."
"We desperately want to find this child, and hopefully give the family a little closure."
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.