Authorities Recover 19-Year-Old Marly Kinney From Grayson Lake After 5-Day Search

Q: The boat operator was intoxicated, but how did Marly Kinney actually end up in the water?

Marly Kinney reportedly entered the water after going overboard from the rented pontoon boat to use the bathroom and did not return. That account comes from the additional reporting tied to the case, which says she either “jumped off” or “dived overboard” for that purpose around 4 p.m. Her phone and other belongings were left on the boat, and the friends with her did not immediately realize she was missing. Investigators were also unable, at least initially, to get a precise location on the lake where she entered the water. What is publicly established is that the boat’s operator, Cameron Conley, was later charged with boating under the influence after authorities said his blood alcohol level was 0.137%, above Kentucky’s 0.08% legal limit. But that charge does not by itself explain the exact mechanics of how Kinney ended up in the lake; the available reporting indicates she voluntarily went overboard and then disappeared. Authorities have not yet released a final investigative finding on the full sequence of events. The Carter County Coroner responded after her body was recovered Sunday, and the State Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to determine the official cause of death. The case remains under investigation.

3 articles · Updated · WKYT · Jun 28

Marly Kinney, 19, was found dead in Grayson Lake at 3:45 p.m. Sunday, ending a five-day search in Carter County.
Kinney had been missing since Wednesday, June 24, after she did not return with friends from a rented pontoon boat trip out of Grayson Lake Marina.
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife game wardens led a search of the lake and shoreline using boats, sonar, drones, UTVs, ATVs, K9 teams and cadaver dogs, with dive teams and helicopters assisting.
More than 50 volunteers and multiple Kentucky agencies joined the effort; the Carter County Coroner responded, and the State Medical Examiner's Office will determine the cause of death.
The case remains under investigation.