Game wardens continue Marly Kinney investigation

FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 24, 2026) — The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources' Law Enforcement Division continues to investigate the death of Marly Kinney and is asking anyone with information to come forward and speak with investigators.

Kinney, a 19-year-old woman from Ashland, Kentucky, was reported missing on June 24, 2026, after she did not return with a group of friends on a pontoon boat rented from Grayson Lake Marina in Carter County. Following an exhaustive five-day search, her body was recovered from Grayson Lake on June 28.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife investigators are working with the Commonwealth's Attorneys' Office in Carter County to identify and evaluate new evidence while pursuing all relevant investigative leads. The priority is to conduct a thorough and accurate investigation while protecting the integrity of the investigative process. Once the investigation is complete, findings will be reviewed in accordance with applicable law and prosecutorial procedures.

“Additional details cannot be released at this time as doing so could compromise the integrity of the investigation," said Col. Jeremy McQueary, director of the Law Enforcement Division for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. “We understand the community's interest in this case and are committed to providing updates if it is appropriate to do so."

Anyone with information related to this investigation, or who has not yet spoken with investigators, is encouraged to contact Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement via Kentucky State Police Post 14 at 606-928-6451. Even information that may appear minor could prove valuable in establishing facts or corroborating evidence.​​