Five-Day Search Ends With Recovery of Missing Kentucky Teenager’s Body [WATCH]

The body of a Kentucky teenager who disappeared during a boating outing on Grayson Lake has been recovered following an extensive five-day search, while the man operating the pontoon boat has been charged with boating under the influence, as reported by Fox News.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources confirmed that the body of Marly Kinney, 19, of Ashland, was recovered from Grayson Lake at approximately 3:45 p.m. Sunday.

Kinney had been missing since Wednesday afternoon after disappearing during a gathering aboard a rented pontoon boat with at least 10 friends in Carter County.

HEARTBREAKING UPDATE: MARLY KINNEY HAS BEEN FOUND
With heavy hearts, we share a devastating update.

According to Marly Kinney’s family, 19-year-old Marly has been found deceased after an extensive, multi-day search at Grayson Lake in Carter County, Kentucky.

Over the past… pic.twitter.com/RXelBB223S

— A Voice For The Voiceless (@AwarenessTCS) June 28, 2026

Here’s What They’re Not Telling You About Your Retirement

According to investigators, Kinney was last seen around 4 p.m. on Wednesday after going overboard to use the bathroom. Authorities said those aboard the boat did not immediately realize she was missing.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

After she was reported missing, multiple agencies launched an extensive search of Grayson Lake and the surrounding area.

The search involved the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Kentucky State Police, and local emergency responders.

Search crews used sonar equipment, thermal detectors, helicopters, K-9 teams, heat-seeking devices, underwater drones, and other specialized resources during the operation. More than 50 volunteers also joined the search despite periods of rain that slowed rescue efforts.

Authorities have not disclosed how Kinney’s body was ultimately located.

The investigation began on Wednesday after Cameron Conley, 23, notified staff at Grayson Lake Marina that Kinney was no longer aboard his pontoon boat and that he was unable to find her.

Kentucky State Police responded to assist with both the search and the investigation.

According to court records previously obtained by FOX 56, troopers detected the odor of alcohol on Conley’s breath after arriving at the marina.

Authorities said Conley admitted he had been drinking and agreed to submit to a breath test.

Officials reported that his blood alcohol content measured 0.137%, nearly twice Kentucky’s legal limit for operating a boat. A second breath test administered approximately 20 minutes later registered 0.135%.

Kentucky State Police also reported that the responding trooper observed Conley’s eyes were bloodshot and glassy while conducting the investigation.

Conley was arrested on a charge of boating under the influence and transported to the Carter County Detention Center. He has since been released.

Kentucky man charged with boating under the influence after one of his female passengers disappeared while on his pontoon boat.
Cameron Conley, 23, was arrested after reporting Marly Kinney, 19, missing from his boat on Wednesday. Kinney has been missing since 4 p.m.… pic.twitter.com/clUkiQWJxg

— American Crime Stories (@AmericanCrime01) June 28, 2026

Authorities have not announced any additional charges in connection with Kinney’s death.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources said Kinney’s family has been notified.

Her body was transported to the Kentucky State Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort, where officials will determine the cause of death.

Officials said the investigation into the circumstances surrounding her disappearance remains active.

Following confirmation that Kinney had been found, Smokin’ J’s Rib and Brewhouse in Ashland, where she worked, announced it would close temporarily so employees could mourn her loss.

“The Smoking J’s Family is saddened by the loss of one of our own, Marly Kinney,” the restaurant said in a Facebook statement.

“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 continued.

“Our love and prayers go out to Marly’s family and friends through this tragic loss.”

Earlier during the search, Kinney’s family released a statement thanking law enforcement officers, first responders, volunteers, and everyone involved in the effort to locate the missing teenager.

Authorities said anyone with information related to Kinney’s disappearance or the investigation is encouraged to contact Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement at 800-25-ALERT (25378) or Kentucky State Police Post 14 at 606-928-6421.

The Real MOU: What Trump’s Iran Agreement Actually Says – Truth Thursday | EP 677

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.