Who was Thomas Donnelly? University of Cincinnati, 21, student found dead after tragic hiking accident in West Virginia

A University of Cincinnati student, Thomas Donnelly, was found dead after losing footing and being swept into a stream during a hiking trip in West Virginia.

Published on: Oct 15, 2026, 06:08:29 IST

By Sumanti Sen

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A University of Cincinnati student was found dead on Monday, October 12, after losing footing and being swept into a stream during a hiking trip in West Virginia, according to West Virginia State Police. Thomas Donnelly, 21, of Cincinnati, was with the University of Cincinnati Mountaineering Club, which had been hiking and camping since Friday, October 9.

University of Cincinnati, 21, student found dead after tragic hiking accident in West Virginia (Pexel - representational image)

On Sunday, October 11, crews responded to a report of a missing hiker in the area of Red Creek Trail and Fisher Springs in Tucker County around 11:39 am. Troopers responded to the area and began assisting with search and rescue efforts alongside the Harman Volunteer Fire Department in an attempt to find Donnelly.

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According to troopers, the group tried to cross South Red Creek near its confluence with Fisher Springs Run. On the way, they “encountered elevated water levels and swift currents caused by heavy rainfall,” according to troopers, WCPO 9 reported. They said that Donnelly lost his footing and was swept downstream as he tried to cross.

Initial attempts to find Donnelly were not successful. Search efforts were suspended until Monday morning due to inclement weather and decreasing daylight. He was ultimately found dead within the search area around 2 pm Monday.

Who was Thomas Donnelly?

Donnelly majored in computer science during his time at the University of Cincinnati.

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UC Dean of Students Shaka Sydnor said in a statement to WCPO 9 after Donnelly’s death, “This loss is incredibly heartbreaking and has had a significant impact for many members in the Bearcat community. Our thoughts are with Thomas’ family, friends, and classmates that have been impacted by this tragic news. Please keep Thomas’s family in your thoughts during this difficult time.”

The University of Cincinnati said that it will be offering support services to students impacted by Donnelly’s death.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sumanti Sen
Sumanti Sen covers everything that’s happening in the US, from politics to entertainment, but her expertise lies in covering crime news. She has comprehensively chronicled the Idaho student murders, the Laken Riley and Iryna Zarutska cases, and the killing of Charlie Kirk, among other incidents. Over the years, she has interviewed several victims/families of victims of crimes seeking justice. She digs up stories that might otherwise remain unheard, and does her bit to ensure that victims and survivors’ voices are heard. Sumanti’s many years of experience also include interviews with Hamas attack survivors and mental health experts, among others. Her coverage of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and interviews with survivors of the tragedy, coupled with her other works including the Titan submersible coverage, earned her the Digi Journo of the Quarter award during her first year at Hindustan Times. Sumanti actively tracks missing person cases in the United States, and peruses Reddit and other social media platforms to bring to light cases that frequently elude public attention. She has extensively covered the disappearances of Nancy Guthrie, Thomas Medlin, Beau Mann, and Sudiksha Konanki, among others. When not at work, you will either find her with her novels, or with her beloved rescue pooches.Read More

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