A 21-year-old University of Cincinnati student was found dead Monday after he lost his footing crossing a swollen West Virginia creek and was swept downstream, bringing a tense two-day search to a heartbreaking end. Thomas Donnelly, of Cincinnati, had been hiking and camping with a group from the UC Mountaineering Club in Tucker County since the previous Friday.
Donnelly was part of an eight-member group from the club hiking the Red Creek Trail and Fisher Springs Trail area when the trip turned dangerous, according to FOX19. The group was attempting to cross a creek when they encountered elevated water levels and swift currents, and Donnelly lost his footing while crossing, according to West Virginia State Police. WDTV reports he was swept downstream by swift-moving water caused by heavy rainfall while crossing South Red Creek.
The group encountered the elevated water and swift currents near Fisher Springs Run, according to the same report. Accounts differ slightly on the exact timing of the 911 call that set off the search: WDTV reports Tucker County 911 received word that Donnelly was missing at approximately 11 a.m. Sunday, while a separate report states Tucker County 911 notified West Virginia Natural Resources Police at around 11:39 a.m. that same morning.
Search Suspended Overnight as Weather Worsened
Once the 911 call came in, troopers began searching the area along with the Harman Volunteer Fire Department. The search was suspended Sunday because of darkness and poor weather conditions, the report notes, with approaching inclement weather and diminishing daylight forcing crews to pause their efforts before resuming Monday.
That pause stretched through the night until search crews could resume their work in daylight. Troopers found Donnelly dead at approximately 2 p.m. Monday, in or near the area where crews had been searching, and his next of kin was notified shortly after, per a report from WBOY.
Police Say Donnelly Appears to Have Drowned
West Virginia State Police said Donnelly apparently drowned, according to a report from WV MetroNews. No official autopsy or medical examiner findings have been released publicly beyond that statement.
The tragedy underscores just how quickly a routine stream crossing can turn deadly when water levels rise. The Pacific Crest Trail Association, which publishes widely used backcountry safety guidance, advises hikers that it is better to turn around than risk a dangerous crossing. The group notes that slow, deep water is often safer than shallower, swift water, and warns that even a light current can easily push a person far downstream.
