The family of Marly Kinney, a 19-year-old Kentucky woman whose body was found in Grayson Lake on Sunday, has spoken out against what they describe as "disrespectful" online posts regarding her death. Kinney was last seen alive on Wednesday near the lake.
Her sister, Willow, took to Facebook to address the situation, stating that while the family is grateful for the search efforts and support, they are dismayed by unverified speculation and insensitive comments circulating online. "I find it disrespectful," Willow wrote, requesting that the public refrain from spreading rumors about the circumstances of her sister's death until an official statement is released.
Kinney was reported missing after failing to return with a group of friends on a rented pontoon boat. The operator of the boat, 23-year-old Cameron Conley, was arrested and charged with operating a boat while intoxicated. According to court documents, officers noted the smell of alcohol on Conley, who admitted to drinking. His blood alcohol content was reportedly measured at .137, significantly above Kentucky's legal limit. Conley has since been released and is scheduled for arraignment on July 22. His case is separate from the investigation into Kinney's death.
Authorities have stated that the cause of Kinney's death will be determined by the State Medical Examiner's Office.
A witness, Leah Ross, reported seeing Kinney and her group near "Sex Rock," a popular cliff-jumping spot on the lake, on Wednesday afternoon. Ross shared a photo of the group, with friends jumping from the rock, confirming she saw Kinney alive that day.
Close friends and Marly Kinney's employer have also shared tributes. Baylie Hanshaw, a close friend, described Kinney as a constant support and expressed sorrow over the events. Smokin' J's Rib and Brewhouse, where Kinney was employed, called her a "model employee" and announced plans to provide grief counseling for staff. The restaurant remained closed for two days to allow its team time to mourn.
Kinney's public Instagram account showed she followed an individual with the same name as the boat operator, Cameron Conley, suggesting they may have known each other. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Kinney's death is ongoing.