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TUCKER COUNTY - The body of a 21-year-old college student from Ohio who had been reported missing Sunday was found in Tucker County.
On Sunday, at approximately 11:39 a.m., Tucker County 911 notified West Virginia Natural Resources Police of a missing hiker in the area of the Red Creek Trail and Fisher Springs Trail in Tucker County, according to a West Virginia State Police press release which was issued Wednesday afternoon.
Trooper D. M. Tate responded to assist with search and rescue efforts, along with members of the Harman Volunteer Fire Department.
The missing hiker was part of an eight-member group from the University of Cincinnati Mountaineering Club that had been hiking and camping in the area since Friday, Oct. 9. While attempting to cross South Red Creek near its confluence with Fisher Springs Run, the group encountered elevated water levels and swift currents caused by heavy rainfall.
One member of the group, identified as Thomas Donnelly, 21, of Cincinnati, Ohio, lost his footing and was swept downstream by the swift-moving water, the release states.
Initial efforts to locate Donnelly were unsuccessful. Search operations were suspended due to approaching inclement weather and diminishing daylight.
On Monday, at approximately 2 p.m., troopers located Donnelly deceased in the search area. His next of kin was notified was then notified, police said.