Public Safety · Tucker County
UC Student Dies After Being Swept Down Creek on Tucker County Hiking Trail
Thomas Donnelly, 21, a University of Cincinnati student and member of the UC Mountaineering Club, died after losing his footing while crossing a creek with elevated water levels and swift currents in the Red Creek Trail and Fisher Springs Trail area of Tucker County, W.Va., during an Oct. 9 hike with an eight-member group. A 911 call was made around 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 11; search-and-rescue efforts began but were suspended that evening due to approaching inclement weather and diminishing daylight. The search resumed Monday and Donnelly's body was found around 2 p.m., according to West Virginia State Police.