Missing Marly Kinney

Victim: Marly Kinney

Age: 19

Residence: Ashland, Kentucky

Status: Missing, as of June 27, 2026

Primary Investigating Agency: Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, assisted by Kentucky State Police.

Marly was born on September 11, 2006, in Cleveland, Ohio. She was a 2024 graduate of Boyd County High School and was attending Ashland Community and Technical College, where she earned placement on the President’s List. She attended Cannonsburg Trinity Community Church, participated in Boyd County 4-H beginning at age 10, served on the Boyd County 4-H Teen Council, and worked as a server at a local restaurant.

June 24, 2026

Afternoon: Marly Kinney spends the afternoon on Grayson Lake aboard a pontoon boat with a group reported to include at least ten friends. Authorities have not publicly released the identities of those aboard or the exact route the vessel traveled.

2:20 p.m. According to the witness, Marly’s group remained at the rock cliffs for an additional 10 to 20 minutes after the 2:20 p.m. video was recorded. Based on those observations, the witness believes Marly was still at the rock cliff area between approximately 2:30 p.m. and 2:40 p.m. Source

2:30 to 2:40 p.m. According to the witness, Marly’s group remained at the rock cliffs for an additional 10 to 20 minutes after the 2:20 p.m. video was recorded. Based on those observations, the witness believes Marly was still at the rock cliff area between approximately 2:30 p.m. and 2:40 p.m. Source

4:00 p.m. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife identifies approximately 4:00 p.m. as Marly’s last confirmed sighting.

• Height: 5 feet 5 inches
• Weight: approximately 125 pounds
• Hair: black
• Last known clothing: pink, orange, and white bikini

Witness Information: Publicly available accounts indicate that Marly separated from the group shortly before disappearing.

• She reportedly entered the water from the pontoon boat.
• She reportedly exited the boat near shore to use the bathroom.
• The remaining passengers reportedly continued boating before realizing she was no longer with them.

Authorities have not publicly confirmed which account is accurate, nor have they established whether Marly ever reached shore or re-entered the boat.

Timeline Gap: Investigators continue working to determine:

• the exact location of the pontoon boat,
• The precise time Marly separated from the group,
• whether anyone directly observed her final movements,
• How long elapsed before anyone realized she was missing,
• whether she entered the water voluntarily,
• Whether she successfully reached land.

Missing Person Report: After discovering Marly could not be located, authorities were notified. According to the arrest citation, pontoon operator Cameron P. Conley informed staff at the Grayson Lake Marina that he was unable to locate a female passenger who had been aboard his vessel. This prompted notification of the Kentucky State Police and the launch of an emergency search.

5:30 p.m., Kentucky State Police encounter Cameron P. Conley. According to the citation: Source

• troopers detect the odor of alcohol,
• troopers observe bloodshot and glassy eyes,
• Conley admits to consuming alcoholic beverages,
• voluntarily submits to a preliminary breath test,
• He is arrested for operating a boat while under the influence.

The citation states an Intoxilyzer later recorded a breath alcohol concentration of 0.135.

June 25, 2026

Search operations expand significantly. Officials continue searching open water, coves, shoreline, and wooded areas surrounding the lake.

• Additional technology includes sonar, underwater drones, thermal imaging, and GPS mapping. Rain periodically complicates search conditions.

2:21 p.m. Sister Issues Public Missing Person Appeal: Marly Kinney’s sister, Willow VanHoose, published a public appeal asking for assistance in locating her sister and providing additional identifying information. Source

• According to Willow, Marly had been missing since approximately 4:00 p.m. on June 24. She stated that law enforcement, wildlife officials, and search personnel were actively searching the Grayson Lake area and asked anyone with information to contact authorities immediately.
• Willow emphasized that at the time of her post, no one had been found and urged the public not to spread rumors or unverified information. She wrote that the family intended to continue searching until Marly was located.

Description Provided by Family: Willow described Marly as wearing:

• A strapless pink and orange bikini.
• Likely barefoot.
• Gold jewelry.
• A dainty gold cross necklace that she usually wore.

Identifying Tattoos: Willow also shared several identifying tattoos to assist searchers, including:

• A sword tattoo along her side.
• A spider tattoo on her thigh.
• Butterfly tattoos on one arm.
• A tiger tattoo on one arm.
• Fairy tattoos on her shoulder.

She noted that Marly had additional tattoos but could not recall all of them at the time of her post.

Willow concluded by asking the public to report any information that could assist the investigation while encouraging everyone to avoid spreading rumors during the ongoing search.

June 26, 2026

Day Two Search

Search operations expand significantly. Officials continue searching open water, coves, shoreline, and wooded areas surrounding the lake.

• Additional technology includes sonar, underwater drones, thermal imaging, and GPS mapping. Rain periodically complicates search conditions.

Investigative Actions: Investigators begin reconstructing Marly’s final known movements. Authorities are working to obtain or review witness interviews, cellphone records, GPS information, photographs, videos, social media activity, and the identities and statements of everyone aboard the pontoon.

5:17 p.m. Family Shares Identifying Tattoo Information: Marly Kinney’s sister, Willow VanHoose, shared several photographs of Marly’s tattoos in an effort to assist searchers and investigators with identification. Source

Willow explained that she gathered the images from previous text messages because they were the best photographs she could locate. She noted that Marly has additional tattoos not shown in the post but was unable to find photographs of them.

Among the tattoos shared were:

• A bat design on the upper thigh.
• A large snake tattoo extending along the forearm.
• A butterfly tattoo.
• A cross tattoo with the word “Hebrews.”
• An additional ornamental tattoo on the forearm.

Willow stated that she hoped the images might assist if searchers discovered clothing, personal belongings, or partial remains that could aid in identifying Marly.

Friday, June 27, 2026

11:02 a.m Family Search Guidance Issued: Marly Kinney’s sister, Willow VanHoose, published a public update addressing the large number of people asking how they could assist in the search. Source

According to her statement, search coordinators, first responders, law enforcement, and search-and-rescue personnel advised that Grayson Lake, surrounding trails, and public areas remained open, but cautioned that organized volunteer searches outside official coordination could unintentionally interfere with ongoing operations.

Willow explained that authorities advised:

• Large numbers of people searching on foot could trigger heat-sensing drones, causing search teams to divert resources to investigate false detections.
• Increased boat traffic could interfere with dive teams and official search vessels operating on the lake.
• Injuries involving unofficial volunteers could divert emergency personnel away from Marly’s search.
• Individuals were welcome to enjoy the lake and public areas, but should avoid conducting independent search operations that could hinder official efforts.

She thanked the public for their overwhelming support while emphasizing that professional search teams and family members were actively coordinating the search.

Technology Restrictions: Willow also stated that authorities advised members of the public not to use personal drones or other search technology during the operation.

According to her statement:

• Civilian drones and similar technology were not permitted.
• If official search teams detected unauthorized drones or technology in the search area, they would be required to immediately land their own aircraft and temporarily suspend aerial operations due to legal and safety requirements.

She concluded by expressing gratitude for the community’s support and asking the public to follow law enforcement guidance so that official search efforts could continue without interruption.

9:01 p.m. Family Asks Public to Avoid Speculation and Misinformation

Marly Kinney’s sister, Willow VanHoose, posted a public update asking people to avoid spreading speculation, accusations, fake videos, and unverified claims while the search for Marly continued. Source

• Willow stated that the family’s priority was finding Marly, not debating theories about what happened. She asked that only people with genuine, urgent information contact her, including Marly’s close friends, people who were on the boat, close family friends, or family members.
• She also expressed concern that rumors and false claims were overwhelming comment sections where important tips could otherwise be shared.

Willow thanked everyone who helped search for Marly and everyone who shared information, and said she would be taking a break from social media because of the emotional toll.

June 28, 2026

3:45 p.m Marly Kinney has been found dead, according to Lt. Mulholland with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. Multiple agencies discovered Ashland native Marly Kinney’s body in the Grayson area. Source

5:35 p.m. Family Announces Marly Kinney Has Been Found: Marly Kinney’s sister, Willow VanHoose, announced that Marly had been found deceased.  Source

• In her statement, Willow expressed disappointment that information about Marly’s death had begun circulating publicly before the family had the opportunity to share the news themselves. She explained that she had received permission from her mother before making the announcement and noted that she was unsure whether authorities had issued an official public statement at the time of her post.
• Willow stated that Marly had been found in the water.

June 24, 2026

Search operations begin immediately. Resources initially deployed include:

• patrol boats,
• aerial support,
• drones,
• K-9 teams,
• shoreline searches.

Search efforts focus primarily on the water surrounding the area where Marly was believed last seen.

Day Two Search

Search operations expand significantly. Officials continue searching open water, coves, shoreline, and wooded areas surrounding the lake.

Additional technology includes sonar, underwater drones, thermal imaging, and GPS mapping. Rain periodically complicates search conditions.

Investigative Actions

Investigators begin reconstructing Marly’s final known movements. Authorities are working to obtain or review witness interviews, cellphone records, GPS information, photographs, videos, social media activity, and the identities and statements of everyone aboard the pontoon.

Officials have not announced whether any person aboard the vessel is considered a suspect.

Search Enters Third Day

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife publicly identifies the missing woman as Marly Kinney, 19, of Ashland. Officials state the search remains focused primarily on the lake.

Search Assets

By the third day, agencies report utilizing Kentucky State Police helicopter support, drones, search boats, sonar, underwater search equipment, K-9 teams, thermal detection, and approximately 50 civilian volunteers walking shorelines.

Agencies Assisting

Publicly identified agencies include Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Kentucky State Police, Ashland Fire Department, Grayson Fire Department, Carter County Emergency Management, Boyd County Emergency Management, Elliott County Emergency Management, Elliott County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kentucky State Parks Rangers, and Lexington Fire Department.

Lexington Fire Department reports deploying divers and sonar equipment to assist the search.

Family Statement

“We are very appreciative of the absolute surplus of support from law enforcement, search and rescue, 1st responders, and all of the community and its volunteers that are here with us searching for Marly… We continue to have faith she will be found and brought back to us.”

Boating Under the Influence Case

Media report details surrounding Cameron Conley’s arrest. Authorities emphasize that the arrest stems from alleged boating under the influence.

• Investigators have not stated that alcohol impairment caused Marly’s disappearance.
• Investigators have not announced any homicide investigation.
• No criminal charges related to Marly’s disappearance have been filed.

Search Continues

Search operations continue across Grayson Lake using watercraft, aerial assets, sonar, drones, and search personnel. Officials continue requesting that anyone with information regarding Marly’s movements or the activities aboard the pontoon contact investigators immediately.

The following statements have been reported publicly but have not been independently confirmed by investigators:

• Marly separated from the group to use the bathroom.
• Some reports state she entered the water.
• Others report she exited onto the shoreline.
• Members of the group allegedly continued boating before realizing she was missing.
• Friends reportedly could not identify the exact location where she left the boat.

Investigators have not publicly confirmed any of these details as established fact.

Wednesday, June 24, 2026, Between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Source

A witness reports that they and their family were boating on Grayson Lake near Marly Kinney and the group she was with. The witness states both groups stopped near rock cliffs, identified to the witness as “Sex Rock,” where people were jumping from the rocks into the lake. Source

2:20 p.m.

The witness states their family has time-stamped videos showing Marly and some members of the group she was with jumping from the rocks at approximately 2:20 p.m. Source

2:30 p.m. to 2:40 p.m.

According to the witness, Marly’s group remained in the rock cliff area for at least 10 to 20 minutes after the 2:20 p.m. video, placing Marly’s reported location near the rock cliffs until approximately 2:30 p.m. to 2:40 p.m. Source

4:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

The witness states their family returned to the boat docks between approximately 4:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. and observed the group Marly had already been with at the docks, speaking with fire and rescue personnel. Source

Witness Clarification Source

The witness says they shared the video information with Marly’s family and contacted the police. The witness also states that other family members who saw Marly did so.

The witness notes that public reports state Marly was last seen at 4:00 p.m., but they questioned whether 4:00 p.m. refers to when she was last seen or when she was reported missing.

According to the witness, fire and rescue personnel at the boat ramp said the group Marly was with could not provide an exact location or time she was last seen.

Investigators continue attempting to establish:

• a complete passenger list,
• the sequence of events aboard the pontoon,
• the precise location of the boat at each stop,
• Marly’s final confirmed movements,
• whether she entered the water,
• whether she reached land,
• The elapsed time between her disappearance and the notification of the authorities.

June 28, 2026

The body of a female recovered at 3:45 p.m. today from Grayson Lake in Carter County has been identified as Marly Kinney. The 19-year-old from Ashland, Kentucky, had been missing since Wednesday afternoon, June 24, 2026. Source

The family has been notified, and the Carter County Coroner was notified and responded to the scene. The cause of death will be determined by the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort.

Game wardens with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources led an exhaustive search for Kinney following a missing-person report indicating that a female passenger did not return with a group of friends on a rented pontoon boat at Grayson Lake Marina.

Search efforts focused on the water and shoreline with assistance from multiple county and state law enforcement agencies, first responders and volunteers that included boats, Ashland Fire Department divers, sonar, Kentucky State Police helicopters, drones, UTVs/ATVs, and K9 and cadaver dogs.

Agencies assisting Kentucky Fish and Wildlife in the search included Kentucky State Police, Ashland Fire Department, Grayson Fire Department, Carter County Emergency Management, Boyd County Emergency Management, Elliott County Sherrif’s Office, Elliott County Emergency Management, the US Army Corps of Engineers, Kentucky State Parks rangers, Lexington Fire Department, Sandy Hook Fire Department, England Hill Fire Department and more than 50 local volunteers.

This case remains under investigation. Anyone with information regarding the investigation is asked to contact Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement at 800-25-ALERT (25378) or Kentucky State Police Post 14 at 606-928-6421.

Information and questions may also be directed to the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Information Center at 800-858-1549, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (ET) weekdays, excluding state holidays, or at  [email protected].​

Water Assets

• Search boats
• Sonar systems
• Dive resources
• Underwater search equipment

Air Assets

• Kentucky State Police helicopter
• Multiple drones

Ground Assets

• K-9 teams
• Shoreline searchers
• Approximately 50 volunteers
• Multiple fire departments
• Emergency management agencies
• State park rangers
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers personnel

June 24, 2026

Initial reports of a missing boater begin circulating after the search is launched.

June 25, 2026

• Missing person flyers circulate widely across social media.
• Family members publicly request assistance locating Marly.

June 26, 2026

• Search enters its third day.
• Family releases a statement thanking searchers.
• Authorities publicly identify Marly and provide additional search details.

June 27, 2026

• News outlets report the arrest of Cameron P. Conley for boating under the influence. Source
• Authorities reiterate that the arrest is separate from the investigation into what happened to Marly and that the missing person investigation remains active.