College student dies after falling in creek during hiking trip

TUCKER COUNTY, W.Va . (WXIX/Gray News) - A missing University of Cincinnati student hiking in West Virginia was found dead Monday.Thomas Donnelly, 21, who was part of an eight-member group from the UC Mountaineering Club, went hiking in the Red Creek Trail and Fisher Springs Trail area of Tucker County on Oct. 9, according to West Virginia State Police.The group was trying to cross a creek when they hit elevated water levels and swift currents, state police explained.Donnelly lost his footing and was swept downstream by the swift-moving water, state police said.A 911 call was made around 11:30 a.m. Oct. 11 to report Donnelly was missing.Search-and-rescue efforts began but were suspended that evening because of approaching inclement weather and diminishing daylight, state police said.The search resumed Monday. Donnelly’s body was found around 2 p.m. that day.“This loss is incredibly heartbreaking and has had a significant impact for many members in the Bearcat community. Our thoughts ar