Marly Kinney found dead after missing boating trip at Grayson Lake

Marly Kinney found dead after missing boating trip at Grayson Lake

A massive multi-day search for a missing teenager ended in tragedy on Sunday, June 28, when the body of 19-year-old Marly Kinney was recovered near Grayson Lake. The discovery occurred at approximately 3:45 p.m. Local time, four days after Kinney was first reported missing on June 24.

Kinney, a resident of Ashland, Kentucky, disappeared during a boating outing on Wednesday afternoon. According to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, the search began after a missing person report indicated a female passenger had failed to return with a group of friends on a rented pontoon boat at Grayson Lake Marina.

The recovery effort involved a wide array of resources and personnel. Game wardens from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources led the operation, which focused on the shoreline and the water. Search teams utilized divers from the Ashland Fire Department, sonar, drones, and helicopters from the Kentucky State Police. On the ground, responders deployed UTVs, ATVs, and K-9 and cadaver dogs.

The operation drew support from numerous agencies, including:

• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• Carter County and Boyd County Emergency Management
• The Elliott County Sheriff's Office and Elliott County Emergency Management
• Kentucky State Parks rangers
• Grayson, Lexington, Sandy Hook, and England Hill Fire Departments
• More than 50 local volunteers

While the search for Kinney was underway, authorities took action against the operator of the vessel. Cameron Conley, 23, was arrested on Wednesday after arriving at Boat Ramp Road in Grayson and informing marina staff that he could not locate a person who had been on his boat.

State troopers reported that they observed bloodshot eyes and could smell alcohol on Conley upon their arrival. According to citations reported by LEX18 and WLKY, Conley admitted to troopers that he had been drinking and consented to a breathalyzer test. The test allegedly showed a blood alcohol level of 0.137%, which exceeds the Kentucky boating limit of 0.08%.

Conley was charged with one count of operating a boat or watercraft while intoxicated or under the influence. Although his arrest occurred during the disappearance, officials stated that Conley's case remains separate as investigators continue to examine the circumstances of Kinney's death.

The Carter County Coroner responded to the scene on Sunday. Officials confirmed that Kinney's family has been notified and that the State Medical Examiner's Office in Frankfort will determine the cause of death.

The loss has sparked a wave of grief in the local community. Boyd County High School, which Kinney graduated from in 2024, posted a statement on Facebook asking the community to keep Marly's family, friends, and all who loved her in your thoughts and prayers and extending support to her former teachers and classmates.

The investigation into the disappearance and death remains active. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement at 800-25-ALERT (25378) or Kentucky State Police Post 14 at 606-928-6421.

Cameron Conley is scheduled to appear in court in July.