Body of 12-year-old drowning victim recovered three miles downstream from Lime Kiln Park

(From the Neosho Police Department)

On 5/30/2021, the search for Kaylin Brown continued at 07:30 by Missouri State Water Patrol, Missouri Department of Conservation, Newton County Search and Rescue, Neosho Police and Fire Department, Mennonite Disaster Service and Rapid Response Services.

At approximately 18:50 I was notified that Kaylin had been located.

A boat operator from the Mennonite Disaster Service spotted Kaylin in the river.

Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to the location of the sighting and confirmed the body was that of Kaylin Brown.

Kaylin was recovered by the Highway Patrol at 19:52. Kaylin was located 3.26 miles downstream from Lime Kiln Park.

Kaylin was transported to Clark Funeral Home in Neosho.

Chief Jason Baird

Neosho Police Department

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Earlier news release

On 5/27/2021 at 07:00, the Lime Kiln Park water recovery for missing 12-year-old Kaylin Brown resumed. Members from the Neosho Police, Neosho Fire Department, Missouri Highway Patrol (Water Patrol Division), Newton County Rescue and Recovery, Missouri Department of Conservation and 4-States Rescuer resumed recovery efforts until approximately 13:00.

Due to the heavy rain, lightning and quickly rising waters, the search was postponed until it is safe to resume the search. Kaylin was not located.

The Neosho Police and Fire Departments will remain on the scene during the evening hours.

We have had many citizens show up attempting to help, however, we urge you to stay out of the area. No further recovery assistance is needed. The park will remain closed until the recovery operations are finished.

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Original news release

On May 26, 2021 at approximately  4:14 p.m., officers were dispatched to Lime Kiln Park, Neosho, for a water rescue.

Officers were informed that a 12-year-old girl identified as Kaylin Brown, had been pulled into the water by the strong current.

Officers were also informed that a 34-year-old male identified as Trevor Hicks attempted to rescue her and was also pulled into the water. Both individuals were unable to get out due to the strong current.

Rescue efforts were made and Mr. Hicks was pulled from the water. He was unresponsive and immediately was transported to Freeman Hospital where he remains in critical condition.

Kaylin was not located and the rescue was called off at 21:00. Neosho officials remained on the scene during the night.

Rescue efforts resumed at 07:00 this morning. Rescue units from Missouri State Highway Patrol (Water Patrol Division), Neosho Police, Neosho Fire Department, Newton County Rescue and Missouri Department of Conservation are currently on the scene at the time of this press release. Newton County Sheriff's Department is assisting with an aerial drone search.