# 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.
- Title: College student dies after falling in creek during hiking trip
- Summary: 21-year-old UC student Thomas Donnelly dies in West Virginia creek after hiking accident. Thomas Donnelly, a 21-year-old University of Cincinnati…
- Keywords: thomas donnelly, university of cincinnati, mountaineering club, red creek trail, west virginia, hiking trip, creek accident, news, local, College, student, dies
- Source: Valleynewslive — https://valleynewslive.com/2026/10/19/college-student-dies-after-falling-creek-during-hiking-trip
- Published: 2026-10-19T02:58:32.483+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: thomas donnelly, university of cincinnati, mountaineering club, red creek trail, west virginia, hiking trip, creek accident, news, local
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.