UC hiker dies crossing flooded Red Creek in Dolly Sods Wilderness

A University of Cincinnati student died after being swept away while crossing a flooded creek in the Dolly Sods Wilderness, West Virginia State Police said.

Thomas Donnelly, 21, of Cincinnati, was one of eight members of the UC Mountaineering Club on a hiking and camping trip in Tucker County. The group had been in the Monongahela National Forest since Friday, Oct. 9.

On Sunday afternoon, Oct. 11, the group tried to cross the creek where the Red Creek and Fisher Spring Run trails meet. Heavy rain had left the water high and fast. Troopers said Donnelly lost his footing and was separated from the group.

The search began Sunday but was suspended because of darkness and weather. Troopers found his body around 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, near South Red Creek close to where it meets Fisher Spring Run. State Police said he apparently drowned.

Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and his fellow club members.