University of Cincinnati Student Dies After Being Swept Down Creek in West Virginia
A 21-year-old University of Cincinnati student, Thomas Donnelly, died after losing his footing and being swept downstream by swift currents while crossing a creek during a hiking trip in Tucker County, West Virginia.
Terre Haute, IN, October 18, 2026 —
Thomas Donnelly, a 21-year-old University of Cincinnati student, died after losing his footing while crossing a creek during a hiking trip in Tucker County, West Virginia. Swift currents swept him downstream, according to the available account.
The account identifies Donnelly and his age, university and the county where the incident occurred. It does not specify the creek’s name or the exact location along it, or give a date for the incident. It also does not provide details about the hiking trip, including whether anyone was accompanying him.
No information was provided about what happened after Donnelly was swept downstream, including whether a rescue or search took place, who responded, or how his death was confirmed. The account also does not identify any agency or official that provided details about the incident.
The circumstances described are limited to Donnelly losing his footing while crossing the creek and being carried downstream by swift currents. Further details about the crossing, the conditions at the site or the events leading up to it were not included in the information available for this report.
Story summarized from the original created by Jared Goffinet, Annie Elming , Gray News staff on www.wthitv.com, see more information here.
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