Southeast Kansas Mourns the Tragic Loss of 12-Year-Old Kollin Showalter Following Train Accident and River Recovery
NEOSHO & LABETTE COUNTIES, KS — June 23, 2025 — The tight-knit rural communities of Neosho and Labette Counties are reeling in collective grief after the heartbreaking confirmation that 12-year-old Kollin Showalter’s body was recovered from the Neosho River on Sunday, June 22. His tragic death comes four days after a train-related accident on Wednesday, June 18, that left local families praying for a miracle and holding out hope amid agonizing uncertainty.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol and local law enforcement, Kollin was involved in a tragic incident near the river’s edge that appeared to coincide with an active rail crossing near a trestle bridge outside the town of Erie. The full details surrounding the accident remain under investigation, but early reports suggest Kollin may have been on or near the tracks with friends when a train unexpectedly approached. In the chaos that followed, Kollin was reportedly separated from the group and fell or was pulled into the fast-moving waters of the Neosho River.
Search efforts began immediately and involved multiple agencies, including local fire departments, Kansas Wildlife and Parks, dive teams, and trained search-and-rescue volunteers. After four grueling days of scouring the riverbanks, dragging the water, and utilizing sonar equipment, officials confirmed that Kollin’s body was found and respectfully recovered on Sunday afternoon.
A Community in Mourning
Kollin Showalter’s death has struck a deep emotional chord across both Neosho and Labette Counties. Vigils have been held in Erie and surrounding towns, and local churches opened their doors throughout the weekend for prayer, support, and grief counseling. At the center of the sorrow stands a family forever changed—and a community struggling to comprehend how such a vibrant, kind-hearted child could be taken so suddenly and tragically.
Kollin, who had just completed sixth grade at Erie Elementary School, was described as a bright, curious boy with a big heart and an even bigger imagination. He loved the outdoors, baseball, and building things with his hands. Friends recall his infectious laugh, his fearless bike riding, and his deep love for animals, especially the family’s Labrador retriever, “Tank.”
“He was always the first one to say hello, always running up to help carry something or open a door,” said Mrs. Jessica Ward, one of Kollin’s teachers. “He had a light in him, the kind that you don’t see very often—and that you never forget.”
Superintendent Alan Winters of USD 101 issued a heartfelt message to parents and students, expressing condolences and pledging full support for grieving students and staff. Crisis counselors have been made available at local schools to help young peers come to terms with the painful news.
Outpouring of Support
The response from the community has been both immediate and deeply moving. A memorial of flowers, candles, handmade signs, and baseball caps has been placed along the fence near the bridge where the accident occurred. Local businesses have displayed messages of condolence, and residents have donned maroon and black—the Erie school colors—in Kollin’s memory.
A GoFundMe campaign set up to assist the Showalter family with funeral expenses and counseling support surpassed its goal within 48 hours, with donations pouring in from across the state and even neighboring Oklahoma and Missouri.
“We’re heartbroken beyond words,” said a family friend, speaking on behalf of Kollin’s parents, Nathan and Deidre Showalter. “They are overwhelmed by grief, but also deeply touched by the love and support this community has shown. Right now, they are taking things minute by minute.”
Safety Awareness and Reflection
The tragic incident has reignited community conversations about railroad safety, youth awareness near train tracks, and the need for better barriers and warnings along rural crossings. While officials stress that the investigation is still ongoing and all details have not been finalized, parents, educators, and civic leaders are calling for renewed educational efforts to prevent future tragedies.
“This isn’t about blame—it’s about heartbreak,” said Erie Mayor Janelle Griffith during a town hall on Monday morning. “We have to come together not just in grief, but in action. No family should ever have to go through this.”
Kansas Department of Transportation officials have confirmed they will be reviewing signage, fencing, and general safety protocol near the trestle bridge and other high-traffic rail areas in the region.
Honoring Kollin’s Life
Plans for a public memorial are underway, with a candlelight vigil scheduled for Thursday evening at Erie City Park. Friends, teachers, teammates, and family members are expected to share memories, poems, and prayers as they honor Kollin’s life and the joy he brought to so many.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 28, at First Christian Church of Erie, with a visitation at 10:00 a.m. and service to follow at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome. In honor of Kollin’s passion for animals and nature, the family has requested donations be made to the SEK Humane Society or to the Kansas Chapter of the Future Farmers of America.
Though only 12 years old, Kollin Showalter made a lasting mark on the world around him. His laughter, kindness, and spirit will live on in the memories of classmates, the hugs of his family, and the quiet moments when someone remembers the boy who was always ready to help and always knew how to make someone smile.
Final Reflection
As the towns of Erie, Parsons, and the broader Neosho Valley community mourn together, they do so not only in sorrow but in unity—bound by their shared love for a little boy who left too soon, and their commitment to honoring his life with compassion, remembrance, and purpose.
Rest in peace, Kollin. You were deeply loved. You will be forever missed.
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