Tragic Train Accident Claims Lives of Two Teenagers, Kollin Showalter and Arthur Pollreis
The rural communities of Neosho and Labette Counties are enveloped in profound sorrow following the tragic recovery of 12-year-old Kollin Showalter’s body from the Neosho River on Sunday, June 22, 2025. The heartbreaking discovery comes four days after a devastating train accident on Wednesday, June 18, that claimed the lives of Kollin and 16-year-old Arthur Pollreis, leaving families, friends, and neighbors grappling with grief and disbelief .
Background Information
Kollin Showalter, of Erie, and Arthur Pollreis, of Walnut, were two young individuals whose lives were tragically cut short in a devastating train accident. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the incident occurred shortly after 12:30 p.m. on a Union Pacific railroad bridge spanning the Neosho River, approximately 1.65 miles south of Erie, near 115th Road .
The Accident
The accident occurred when Kollin and Arthur were running southbound on the trestle bridge and were struck by a southbound train. Authorities reviewed engine camera footage and physical evidence, determining that the boys were unable to outrun the train. Arthur’s body was found shortly after the accident, but Kollin’s remained missing, prompting an extensive search effort .
Search Effort
The Neosho County Sheriff’s Office, led by Sheriff Greg Taylor, coordinated a multi-agency response that began immediately after the incident was reported at 12:39 p.m. on Wednesday. First responders, including the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office, Erie and St. Paul Fire Departments, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and Kansas Highway Patrol, converged on the scene. The search quickly transitioned from a hopeful rescue to a recovery effort due to the dangerous conditions of the Neosho River, which was nearly bank-full, swift-moving, and filled with debris
Recovery of Kollin’s Body
On Sunday, June 22, at approximately 12:00 p.m., the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks notified Sheriff Taylor of a possible sighting of a body near the KGE Dam in Labette County, just south of Highway 400-over 20 miles from the accident site. The Labette County Sheriff’s Office and first responders recovered the body, which was confirmed to be Kollin Showalter .
Community Reaction
The rural communities of Neosho and Labette Counties are grappling with grief and disbelief following the tragic loss of two young lives. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, and many are paying tribute to the lives of Kollin and Arthur .
Investigation
The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident. Authorities have determined that the boys were unable to outrun the train, and engine camera footage and physical evidence support this conclusion. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are working to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the accident .
Conclusion
The tragic loss of Kollin Showalter and Arthur Pollreis is a devastating reminder of the importance of safety and awareness around trains and railroads. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, and many are paying tribute to the lives of these two young individuals. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are working to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the accident .
