Ohio River Tragedy: Pomeroy Woman Identified After Grim Discovery

A search of the Ohio River for a missing man took a tragic turn when authorities instead found the body of a woman, later identified as a Pomeroy resident. The Meigs County Sheriff’s Office said the victim is 32-year-old Keely Shuler, and relatives joined deputies to help confirm that identification. Officials have asked the public to give the family space and privacy as they mourn.

How the body was found

Agencies from Kentucky and West Virginia were scanning the river when they located the remains, according to Local 12. The Meigs County Sheriff’s Office reported that it was notified of the discovery and then coordinated with the Greenup County Coroner’s Office, the Kentucky State Police, and the Greenup County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities have not yet released specific details about the exact stretch of the river where the body was recovered.

Identification confirmed

In a statement on its Facebook page, the Meigs County Sheriff’s Office said investigators made a tentative identification using photographs and distinctive tattoos. Members of the sheriff’s office then traveled with family members to meet Kentucky authorities near the Ohio–Kentucky border for a positive visual identification. The victim was confirmed as 32-year-old Keely Shuler of Pomeroy. “The Meigs County Sheriff’s Office asks that the public respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time and keep them in their thoughts and prayers,” the office wrote.

Earlier searches in the area

Emergency crews have already been busy on that part of the Ohio River in recent weeks. In February, WSAZ reported that divers and sonar teams were searching near Pomeroy after an SUV went into the river. A child was pulled from the vehicle and rescued, but the driver remained missing during that operation. Authorities have not said whether that earlier incident has any connection to the body recovered this week.

Investigation ongoing

Officials have not released a cause of death or a detailed timeline for the recovery, according to the sheriff’s office post. Investigators from multiple agencies are continuing to work the case and say more information will be shared as it becomes available.