Authorities in Kentucky say the body of a missing teenager has been recovered from a lake, bringing a tragic end to a dayslong search that began after she vanished during a boating outing with friends.
Marly Kinney, 19, was found in Grayson Lake at about 3:45 p.m. Sunday, five days after she was last seen on a rented pontoon boat, according to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.
Kinney, who was from Ashland, had been with at least 10 friends when she reportedly went overboard around 4 p.m. Wednesday to use the bathroom. Investigators said the group did not immediately realize she was missing.
The search drew a major response from multiple law enforcement agencies, which used sonar equipment, thermal detection tools, helicopters, K-9 units, heat-seeking technology and underwater drones. Kinney was last seen wearing a pink, orange and white bikini.
More than 50 volunteers also assisted as crews worked through scattered rain showers that complicated the effort. Officials have not said how Kinney’s body was ultimately located.
The driver of the pontoon boat, 23-year-old Cameron P. Conley, was arrested on a boating under the influence charge after Kentucky State Police responded Wednesday to assist in the search, WOWK 13 previously reported.
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According to the report, a trooper detected the smell of alcohol while speaking with Conley and observed that his eyes appeared bloodshot and glassy. Conley failed a breathalyzer test and was taken to the Carter County Detention Center.
Kinney’s family has been notified. The State Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort is expected to determine her official cause of death.
Smokin’ J’s Rib and Brewhouse, where Kinney worked, announced it would be closed for the next two days so her coworkers could mourn her loss.
“The Smoking J’s Family is saddened by the loss of one of our own, Marly Kinney,” the Ashland restaurant wrote in a Facebook Post.
“Marly was a model employee loved by all. Always with a friendly smile and a kind word. She was loved by her fellow coworkers and friends, many who have been volunteering over these last few days,” the statement added.
“Our love and prayers go out to Marlys’ family and friends through this tragic loss.”
This case remains under investigation, authorities said.
Anyone with information on Kinney’s disappearance is urged to contact Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement at 800-25-ALERT (25378) or Kentucky State Police Post 14 at 606-928-6421.
