University of Cincinnati Student Dies After Falling Into Creek in Tucker County

Champaign Urbana & Springfield Decatur, IL, October 18, 2026 —

Thomas Donnelly, a 21-year-old University of Cincinnati student, died after falling into a creek and being swept downstream by swift currents while hiking with a group in Tucker County, West Virginia, according to the information provided.

The incident occurred in the Red Creek Trail and Fisher Springs Trail area. The summary does not specify the exact location along the trails, the name of the creek, or when the incident happened.

Donnelly was hiking with a group when he fell into the water. The currents swept him downstream. The circumstances that led to the fall, including whether anyone else in the group was involved or affected, were not provided.

No details were provided about the response to the incident, whether Donnelly was located at the scene or farther downstream, or the cause of death beyond the account that he fell into the creek and was swept away. The information also does not identify any agencies involved or describe whether an investigation took place.

The available account names Donnelly and identifies him as a University of Cincinnati student, but it does not provide further details about him or the hiking group. The date of the incident and any statements from the university, authorities, family members or witnesses were not included. Those details remain unprovided in the information available for this report.

Story summarized from the original created by Jared Goffinet, Annie Elming , Gray News staff on www.wandtv.com, see more information here.

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