Full Breakdown
Marly Kinney’s Death After Disappearance on Grayson Lake Triggers Multi-Agency Search and Boating-Under-Influence Investigation
6/29/2026, 6:48:16 AM
Disappearance and Recovery
Marly Kinney, 19, of Ashland, Kentucky, was last seen on June 24, 2026 after a rented pontoon left Grayson Lake Marina without her. She was reported missing that evening. After a five-day search, game wardens recovered her body from Grayson Lake at 3:45 p.m. on June 28. The Carter County Coroner confirmed the identification; State Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death.
Search Effort and Resources
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) led a water-focused operation using sonar, drones, helicopters, K9 and cadaver dogs, and divers. Over 50 volunteers joined agencies such as Kentucky State Police, Ashland and Grayson fire departments, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The effort covered shoreline and open water throughout the five-day search.
Official Statements & Responses
KDFWR said that search efforts were focused on the water and included aerial support, drones, boats and K9 assistance. The Carter County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene, and the State Medical Examiner will issue a cause-of-death report. Officials continue to request public tips.
Legal Action and Public Reaction
Cameron Conley, 23, was arrested on June 24 for operating a boat while intoxicated. His breathalyzer read .137 % BAC, above Kentucky’s .08 % limit for watercraft. He faces a single count of operating a boat under the influence, with a July court date. Kinney’s family thanked responders, noting the “absolute surplus of support” and urging continued community help.
Conflicting Data & Investigation Gaps
Sources report Conley’s BAC as .137 % in news outlets and .135 % in a court citation, a minor discrepancy. The cause of death has not yet been released, and the precise circumstances of Kinney’s disappearance remain unconfirmed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are very appreciative of the absolute surplus of support from law enforcement, search and rescue, first responders, and all of the community and its volunteers that are here with us and for us searching for Marly,” — Kinney family
- “We do not even know how to express our absolute gratitude to you all. We continue to have faith she will be found and brought back to us. We know we have the very best people doing all they can to bring her home.” — Kinney family
- “The body of a female recovered at 3:45 p.m. today from Grayson Lake in Carter County has been identified as Marly Kinney. The 19-year-old from Ashland, Kentucky, had been missing since Wednesday afternoon, June 24, 2026. The family has been notified, and the Carter County Coroner was notified and responded to the scene. The cause of death will be determined by the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort. Game wardens with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources led an exhaustive search for Kinney following a missing person report that indicated a female passenger did not return with a group of friends on a rented pontoon boat at Grayson Lake Marina. Search efforts focused on the water and shoreline with assistance from multiple county and state law enforcement agencies, first responders and volunteers that included boats, Ashland Fire Department divers, sonar, Kentucky State Police helicopters, drones, UTVs/ATVs, and K9 and cadaver dogs. Agencies assisting Kentucky Fish and Wildlife in the search included Kentucky State Police, Ashland Fire Department, Grayson Fire Department, Carter County Emergency Management, Boyd County Emergency Management, Elliott County Sherrif’s Office, Elliott County Emergency Management, the US Army Corps of Engineers, Kentucky State Parks rangers, Lexington Fire Department, Sandy Hook Fire Department, England Hill Fire Department and more than 50 local volunteers. This case remains under investigation. Anyone with information regarding the investigation is asked to contact Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement at 800-25-ALERT (25378) or Kentucky State Police Post 14 at 606-928-6421. Information and questions may also be directed to the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Information Center at 800-858-1549, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (ET) weekdays, excluding state holidays, or at info.center@ky.gov.” — WSAZ report
- “Anyone with information regarding the investigation is asked to contact Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement at 800-25-ALERT (25378) or Kentucky State Police Post 14 at 606-928-6421,” — Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement
What’s Next
The State Medical Examiner will release a cause-of-death determination soon. Conley is slated for a July arraignment, and investigators continue to seek tips while the multi-agency task force remains on standby.
