From Valleynewslive · · 50s
College student dies after falling in creek during hiking trip
21-year-old UC student Thomas Donnelly dies in West Virginia creek after hiking accident.
In brief
21-year-old UC student Thomas Donnelly dies in West Virginia creek after hiking accident. Thomas Donnelly, a 21-year-old University of Cincinnati Mountaineering Club member, died after falling in Red Creek Trail during a hiking trip in West Virginia. Originally reported by Valleynewslive.
Thomas Donnelly found dead
Thomas Donnelly, a 21-year-old University of Cincinnati Mountaineering Club member, was hiking in West Virginia's Red Creek Trail and Fisher Springs Trail area when he died.
Hiking accident in West Virginia
Donnelly lost footing in elevated water levels and swift currents during a hike on Oct. 9, 2026, and was swept downstream by the creek.
Search and rescue efforts
Search began on Oct. 11 after a 911 call reported Donnelly missing and resumed Monday when his body was found on Oct. 12.
The big picture
Thomas Donnelly, a 21-year-old University of Cincinnati Mountaineering Club member, died after falling in Red Creek Trail during a hiking trip in West Virginia.
