Kentucky 19-Year-Old Marly Kinney Found Dead After Disappearing During Lake Boating Trip

Family members and the Ashland community shared tributes after officials announced Kinney's death.

Published: 6/29/2026, 4:01:35 PM EDT

Kentucky 19-Year-Old Marly Kinney Found Dead After Disappearing During Lake Boating Trip — Marly Kinney, 19, of Ashland, Ky., in photos provided by Kentucky State Police as officials searched for Kinney at Grayson Lake in Carter County. (Courtesy Kentucky State Police)

The body of 19-year-old Marly Kinney was recovered Sunday at Grayson Lake in Carter County, Kentucky, ending a five-day search for the Kentucky woman who disappeared during a boating outing on the lake.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources said Kinney's body was found at about 3:45 p.m. Sunday in Grayson Lake. Kinney had been missing since Wednesday afternoon on June 24 after she did not return with a group of friends on a rented pontoon boat at Grayson Lake Marina.

The cause of death is under investigation by the Kentucky State Medical Examiner's Office in Frankfort. The investigation remains ongoing, authorities said.

Kentucky State Police also acknowledged the recovery Sunday, calling it a "tragic update" and thanking the game wardens, law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency responders, dive teams, and local residents who participated in the extensive search.

Game wardens with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources led the search after receiving a missing person report. Authorities said search crews focused on the water and shoreline, using boats, dive teams, sonar, helicopters, drones, all-terrain vehicles, K-9 teams, and cadaver dogs.

More than a dozen local, state, and federal agencies joined the effort to find Kinney, along with more than 50 volunteers, authorities said.

Earlier in the investigation, Kentucky State Police arrested 23-year-old Cameron Conley at Grayson Lake Marina on June 24.

According to LEX18, Conley reported to marina staff that he could not locate a woman who had been on his boat. A responding trooper reported smelling alcohol and observing bloodshot, glassy eyes, and questioned Conley about drinking while operating the boat. Conley admitted to consuming alcoholic beverages and submitted to a preliminary breath test before being arrested. He was charged with one count of operating a boat or watercraft while intoxicated or under the influence.

Family members and the Ashland community shared tributes after officials announced Kinney's death. Boyd County High School, where Kinney graduated with the Class of 2024, said, "It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Marly Kinney, a graduate of the Boyd County High School Class of 2024."

The school asked the community "to keep Marly's family, friends, and all who loved her in your thoughts and prayers. We also lift up her classmates, former teachers, and everyone grieving this heartbreaking loss."

Smokin' J's Rib and Brewhouse, where Kinney worked, announced it would close for two days to allow employees time to grieve and said it would provide grief counseling for staff.

"Marly was a model employee loved by all. Always with a friendly smile and a kind word," the restaurant wrote. "She was loved by her fellow co-workers and friends, Many who have been volunteering over these last few days." The business added, "Our love and prayers go out to Marlys family and friends through this tragic loss."

Kinney's sister also created a GoFundMe to help cover funeral and related expenses. In the fundraiser, she wrote, "Many have asked me to start a GoFundMe for expenses relating to her. This will help pay for her funeral expenses, any unexpected costs, and anything left over will go to our family for any needs."

Authorities have asked anyone with information related to the investigation to contact Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement at 800-25-ALERT (25378) or Kentucky State Police Post 14 at 606-928-6421.