UPDATE 3:25 p.m.:
The Ellis Police Department released more details Friday afternoon into the disappearance of a 53-year-old Ellis woman.
According to Ellis Chief of Police Avery Smith, the body of 53-year-old Twila Wilson was found just after 9:30 a.m. Friday approximately 1,000 feet to the west of the Cottonwood Street railroad crossing.
Wilson was initially reported missing just after 7 a.m. Friday after she failed to show up for work.
Smith said that they believe that she was hit by the train as the was walking along the tracks. An autopsy was performed and he said the cause and manner of Wilson’s death is still under investigation.
Office of the Chief of Police
On 07/01/2022 at 0709, The Ellis Police Department was
notified of a possible missing person. Twila Wilson, 53, of Ellis was reported
missing after not showing up for work. Twila’s vehicle was located in the 900
block of Cottonwood Street along with her cell phone. Law Enforcement then
began searching several possible locations in an attempt to check Twila’s
welfare.
At 0932, Twila was located deceased approximately 1000 feet to the west of the Cottonwood Street railroad crossing. At this time, it is believed that Twila was struck by a train as she was walking along the tracks. The 23rd Judicial District Coroner’s Office was contacted and an autopsy was performed. The cause and manner of death is still under investigation.
Our sincere condolences go out to the Wilson family as they deal with this tragic situation and we pray they find peace in this difficult time.
The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Highway Patrol, 23rd Judicial District Coroner’s Office, and Hays Communications Center assisted with this investigation.
No further information will be released at this time, as this is an active investigation.
Avery A. Smith
Chief of Police
------------------
UPDATE 9:45 a.m.:
The Ellis County Sherrifs Department has called off the search for Twila Wilson.
Further details are expected from the department later today.
. . .
Original story:
The Ellis County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's assistance in locating a woman that walked away from her vehicle Friday morning in Ellis.
Twila Wilson, 54, was last seen around 5:15 a.m. at Caseys, 213 Washington, leaving behind her phone and purse.
She was described as 5 foot 3, 175 pounds with dark blonde hair and blue eyes.
She was wearing a gray T-shirt, black shorts and black shoes.
If seen, the public is asked to contact Ellis County dispatch at (785) 625-1011.